Holiday Watch List

by Patty Donmoyer | Oct 31, 2007

Ensure You're Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Not the Nightmare Before Christmas

Like you, your pet enjoys the excitement of the holiday season, but are you aware of these seasonal risks that put thousands of pets in the emergency vet each year? 

With toys, food, lights, decorations and tons of activity, it’s easy to imagine pets enjoying the holiday season as much as people do! 

Norman Rockwell, the American artist famous for his portrayal of children and family, managed to strategically place at least one dog or cat into many of his paintings, including his holiday collection. Rockwell considered pets part of the family— possessing the same curiosity, wonder and playfulness intrinsic in children. The holidays provide a unique opportunity for people and their pets to join in the warmth, fun and love. 

Animals, however, are at particular risk during the holidays. Household items |commonly thought of as “safe” can be harmful and even fatal to pets. So pay attention to this Holiday Watch List to ensure a safe and happy holiday: 

 

DANGEROUS PLANTS 

That kiss-promoting mistletoe hung tantalizingly above the door is as inviting to dogs and cats as it is to humans. Though not life-threatening, mistletoe, amaryllis and poinsettias are poisonous to animals and if ingested can cause serious gastric distress. 

The Jerusalem cherry plant and holly berries, which are typically used in wreaths and centerpieces can also cause animals stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in rare cases seizures. 

“(The toxicity) of the plant depends on the amount ingested and the size and weight of the animal,” said Adrian Garibay, veterinary technician at Urban Veterinary Care. 

The traditional Christmas trees (Evergreen, Pine, Spruce and Fir) pose a whole different bag of threats to cats and dogs. Fallen or pulled needles, if ingested are not toxic, but can cause choking, and needles can puncture a cat or dog’s intestines. Keeping the fallen needles swept and off the floor can prevent a trip to the emergency animal clinic. In addition, the base water in the tree stand contains tree sap and chemicals used to prolong the life of the tree, but can cause an animal severe gastrointestinal distress if consumed. Because it is difficult to teach a dog that it’s “okay” to drink from one dish, but not another, using chicken wire mesh around the tree base secured with nylon ties will keep pets from drinking the water. 

Injury caused by toppling the tree is another common holiday mishap. A live holiday tree contains all the smells and reminders of the outdoors. Cats may attempt to climb and pull at the tree (especially when it’s adorned with shiny tinsel and dangling ornaments.) A large dog with an over-active tail can wipe out an entire limb of ornaments or knock down the tree. If possible, Christmas trees should be anchored to the ceiling or wall and decorated with non-breakable ornaments. 

 

DECORATIONS 

All that glitters isn’t always good for pets. The most common dangers to animals around the holidays are tinsel, artificial snow, wire hooks used to hang ornaments, lights, candles and electrical wires. Tinsel, says Garibay can become “bunched in their bellies”, if ingested, causing blockage. Wire hooks and foil are common injury culprits, causing tears and punctures in the stomach wall and intestines if ingested. 

Garibay reports that many pet owners make the mistake of wrapping a bone or toy present for their pet in foil and placing it under the tree. “The animal usually eats the entire ‘package’ – foil and all to get the good stuff and ultimately ends up here with diarrhea, vomiting, or more.” Best policy: invest in a toy or bone meant for pets and give it to them when you are around to supervise. Never wrap anything in foil.

Snow globes commonly displayed around the home at holiday time pose a hidden threat to animals. The globes contain anti-freeze, a substance that is potentially lethal to animals if consumed. If an animal breaks the globe and the liquid spills, quickly remove the dog or cat from the room, clean it up and dilute the spot with water or a non-toxic carpet cleaner. 

 

FOOD 

With a season chock full of rich, delicious meats and sweets, the temptation to “share” with a pet is irresistible. But food meant for humans can be harmful to animals. The two biggest offenders, according to Garibay, are baker’s chocolate and chicken and turkey bones. Meat bones can splinter in the animals mouth, throat and stomach, as well as cause diarrhea and vomiting. Baker’s chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which if ingested by cats or dogs in large enough quantities can harm the liver and kidneys and eventually lead to cardiac arrhythmias, epileptic seizures, internal bleeding, heart attacks, and death. 

Garibay also warns pet owners of sharing their rich, holiday dinner with their pet. “Owners think they’re giving the animal a treat with rich fats, sweets and turkey. Don’t ‘make him a plate’!” Like people, not every pet’s stomach can handle rich foods. Buy the pet treats and foods meant for animals to avoid stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. 

 

SALT, ICE, AND SNOW 

Winter brings a host of hazards for pets’ paws. Ice and snow can cut, dry and crack the skin on paw pads. Mix that with salt used to make streets passable and paws can become split, burnt and painful. Use a product like Paw Wax or Musher’s cream to protect pets from paw burns and abrasions in extreme cold or hot weather. 

 

UNINTENTIONAL NEGLECT 

The holidays are a busy time for everyone. There are parties to plan, food to make, presents to buy and trips to take. On occasion, the family pet unintentionally gets neglected. It’s important to remember to monitor your pets both indoors and outdoors during the holidays. Watch for the dangers mentioned above when your pet is inside and stay with your pet while outside to ensure he is not susceptible to dangerous conditions and temperatures. 

The holiday season is a time for fun, family and festivities. For so many the love and companionship pets offer provide a unique contribution to the holidays. Remember that this gift goes hand-inhand with the responsibility to look out for these four-legged friends. Enjoy the holidays with your entire family, and keep everyone safe for the new year.