With the holidays quickly fading into memory it’s time to take down the tree and other decorations that brightened so many houses in our community. The chore is never a fun. But what pet owners may not realize is many decorations and holiday treats can pose a health threat to their furry friends.
Here are some of the problems we should all keep in mind:
- Tinsel – cats love to play with it. But if ingested it can cause intestinal lacerations and even death. Be sure to keep tinsel away from your pets.
- Lights – dogs chewing on cords can suffer electrical shock and mouth burns. The shock can even cause a heart attack.
- Tree Water – The sap from pine trees can be toxic to dogs and cats. Best to be sure the container is emptied as you take down the tree.
- Candy – chocolate, especially baking chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Even a tiny amount can be deadly.
- Ornaments – Glass ornaments are very attractive to cats. They will bat them around and, unfortunately, sometimes break them posing a serious risk of cuts to their paws.
If you think your dog or cat has ingested chocolate or other potentially dangerous items, here’s what to look for:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- seizures (in very serious cases)
If you believe your pet is suffering from ingesting a potentially poisonous food or object, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency pet center.
