There are many decorations and holiday treats that can pose a health threat to our furry friends. Keep in mind that there are hidden dangers during the holidays. Keep these pet safety tips in mind!
Decorations:
- 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 all your pets.
- Lights – pets chewing on cords can suffer electrical shock and mouth burns. The shock can even cause a heart attack. Keep these cords out of their reach!
- Tree water – sap from pine trees can be toxic to dogs and cats. Make sure it can’t leak and that they are unable to access it. It’s best to make sure the container is emptied as you take down the tree.
- 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.
Holiday plants harmful to pets:
- Poinsettias
- Mistletoe
- Holly
- Pine Needles
- Amaryllis
Foods that may harm your pet:
- Chocolate – especially baking chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Even a tiny amount can be deadly.
- Xylitol – this artificial sweetener often found in candies and gums can cause harm to your pet if ingested.
- Grapes & Raisins – can cause acute kidney failure to cats and dogs.
- Bones – especially when cooked can become brittle, splinter, and pose a choking hazard or cause internal damage to your furry loved one.
- Trash can scraps – keep a lid on the trash can so that sneaky Fido can’t raid the trash.
- Check out the ASPCA list of foods that you should avoid giving pets.
If you think your pet ingested something potentially poisonous, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency pet center as soon as possible. Here are symptoms to watch out for:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- seizures (in very serious cases)
Other precautions to keep in mind:
- Watch the door – make sure your pet is not near the door when it’s open or keep them in a separate room if they’re easily frightened or known to dart out.
- ID your pets – especially if you’re traveling with your pets. Make sure the information is up-to-date with current information.
- Microchip your pets – invest in microchipping your pets too! If your pet is already microchipped, make sure it’s activated and the information is up-to-date.
We hope these tips help you keep your furry family members safe and happy!