Ten Holiday Pet Problems to Avoid

Put a Stop to Pet Problems During the Holidays

Don DeForge, VMD

Every holiday period brings great joy as families reunite and children experience the wonders of Santa Claus; Christmas trees; special foods; and candy.  We sometimes forget that pets are present and watching all of the excitement.  Many times mischievous pets find lots of  fun which become hazards.  Without a watchful eye, the hazard can lead to danger and even death.  Every year, I post my Christmas and Holiday hazards that you MUST be vigilant about to avoid unnecessary visits to the Animal ER or your local doctor of veterinary medicine.

#1 The Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree can cause many problems.  Live trees have one set of problems and artificial trees pose other problems.  Don't put fertilizer in the live tree well.  Cover the water well with aluminum foil to stop drinking of stagnant water.  Real pine needles are not toxic but can cause stomach and esophagus irritability or a possible gastrointestinal blockage necessitating surgery.

Artificial trees can also be a problem with the ingestion of tree branches and needles. Glass bulbs on trees can cause lacerations in the mouth or in the esophagus and stomach.  Garland can be swallowed leading to intestinal blockage necessitating surgery.

Plastic ornaments can be chewed or swallowed  and draw your pet's attention especially when scented.

#2 Electric Shock-Real trees, artificial trees, and indoor decorative lighting can pose a very serious danger from electric shock.  Make sure your puppy/kitten, and/or your adult pet is not chewing on wires.  Electric shock does not just cause burns but it can cause death.

#3 Chocolate Ingestion by Your Pet

 

According to the ASPCA

“Chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like stimulants known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects in dogs ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.”

If you discover that your dog has eaten chocolate, try to remain calm and ascertain these three things before you call your vet:

• Determine if it was dark, milk or white chocolate
• Try to estimate the ounces consumed
• Know your dog’s weight
• Call your LDVM or Animal ER immediately to determine if a toxic dosage of chocolate has been ingested
• Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.  Let the ER Doctor know exactly what happened and how much has been consumed
• CALL ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435

#4 Holiday Foods

We have so many delightful foods during the holidays.  Our pets can share in some of these foods.  White meat of poultry; fresh veggies-without dip; small pieces of beef or fish are all fine.

Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, fatty foods, poultry skin, all meat bones including poultry, chocolate, and fatty deserts.

#5 Holiday Cookies-Sweet Cakes-Candy-Gum

 

Holiday cookies and cakes may contain xylitol. Also, candy and gum can also contain this artificial sweetener.  This sweetener in pets may cause vomiting and diarrhea but it can also lead to seizures, disturbance in the blood sugar level, neurological signs, and liver failure.  Call your LDVM or Animal ER if a xylitol product is ingested!

#6 Christmas Trees Tinsel and Ribbons

Even though tinsel is not as common as years ago, it still is used in many homes on Christmas trees.  The lead based tinsel has been replaced with plastic tinsel.  The tinsel can get caught up within the intestines leading to bowel obstruction.  Ribbons on presents if eaten can do the same thing.  Some cats and puppies get ribbons caught around their necks and this can lead to choking or asphyxiation.

#7 Christmas Flowers and Plants

Christmas flowers and arrangements adorn holiday homes.  Be careful!  Poinsettias are generally irritating to the mouth and can affect the gastrointestinal tract.  Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea occurs.  These problems may need treatment but are not life threatening.  

Mistletoe is much more serious if ingested and can cause cardiovascular problems besides the simple GI upset. Holly ingestion can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy requiring hospitalization. 

The Christmas lily is a common visitor to your home and many times is grown in homes before Christmas.  All members of the lily family are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure if ingested.  Lilies are, also, found in holiday arrangements. 

Look for names such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa blanca lily.  There are many other lily varieties.  Ask your florist to post a sign at holiday time warning owners of cats not to purchase plants of the lily family EVER.

#8 Pets and Alcohol during the Holidays

Sometimes holiday parties can get out of control.  Designated drivers are chosen to bring party-people home safely.  Unfortunately, some "party people" think it is quite funny to get a dog or a cat drunk at their party.  It is not funny but actually a form of cruelty to the animal.

Heavy alcohol consumption by a pet can lead to difficult breathing, neurological tremors, full seizures, coma, and even death.  Keep alcohol away from pets as your drink responsibly at your holiday gatherings.  Enjoy your party and keep your pet safe.

#9 Christmas Toys and Batteries

Christmas toys have multiple pieces that dogs love to play with and chew on thinking the toy was for them.  This can lead to vomiting and possible ER surgery to remove.  Batteries are many times eaten by dogs.  Batteries contain corrosives.  If ingested and chewed they can cause ulceration or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.  Keep track of your pets and never leave toy parts or batteries where your pet can ingest them.

#10 Holiday Candles-Keep Attended

Two dangers are shown in this photo.  A lit Christmas candle and holly berries.  The holidays are beautiful and candle decorations can make a centerpiece glow splendidly in a majestic display.  If you are not in the room with your pet, put the candle out.  Keep candle snuffers handy and tell guests that if Christmas Kitty or Christmas Puppy are a little hyperactive around the lit candles that they have permission to snuff them out.  

Christmas Love and the Human-Animal Bond

Our pets give us unconditional love and we want to extend that love to our pets during the Holiday Celebrations.  We must remember that we must holiday-proof our home and not forget about our pets as we gear up for parties, presents, and laughter.  

Some pets can become anxious at parties from loud noises and people enjoying themselves.  Ask your guests who love pets to show extra love with some private time with your pet[s].  

A kind word, a gentle touch, and assurance that all is well can help that troubled pet in times of their holiday fear.  A pet sitter away from the party is many times helpful if you expect a large celebration and do not have the time to supervise your pet for the evening. Pick up safe presents for your pets.  If you are not sure what is safe call your local doctor[s] of veterinary medicine and run it by them.  

Unconditional love is provided to you by the pet that you love.....return some of that love by providing an atmosphere and environment of safety for your pet during the holidays.

Questions or Comments about this blog: E-Mail Dr. DeForge at DoctorDeForge@yahoo.com

www.AnimalDocAMMultiMediaTheAnimalKingdom.blogspot.com

08December2014