Holiday Hazards for Pets
By Robin Eggenberger, DVM
The holiday season brings cheer and celebration, yet amidst the festivities lurk potential hazards for our beloved pets. Being aware of these dangers is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being during this joyous time.
It’s always good to have Kulshan Vet’s number (360-354-5095) and the number of Pet Poison Help Line (855-764-7661) available BEFORE something happens to your pet. Searching for these numbers at a stressful time only makes the emergency worse. In an emergency, time can be of the essence.
- Rich Foods
Festive foods can be tempting for pets. However, many human delicacies are toxic to them. Chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, poses a significant threat. Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, and certain nuts can also be harmful or even fatal to pets. Feeding high fat foods such as ham, steak fat and gravy can cause pancreatitis which can be fatal.
Bones should be avoided. Bones can fracture teeth, get stuck in the throat and cause choking, and obstruct the stomach or small intestine.
- Decorations
Decorations can pose risks to curious pets. Tinsel, ornaments, ribbons, and even tree needles can become choking hazards or cause severe intestinal issues if ingested. Careful placement and supervision can prevent these potential dangers. Christmas tree additives can be toxic if your pet drinks this fun source of extra water.
- Plants
Holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, pine, yew, mistletoe, and amaryllis are toxic. Lilies and all their components (berries, leaves, pollen, water dish, leaves, stems, and the whole plant are toxic). While adding to the festive ambiance, many plants are harmful to pets if nibbled or ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), drooling, or more severe reactions.
- Candles and Fires
Candles and crackling fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere, but they also pose risks to pets. Candles can be knocked over, causing burns or fires, while open flames in fireplaces or menorahs can lead to accidental injuries. Scented potpourri and heated wax scent warmers can cause asthma attacks and be poisonous if ingested.
- Electrical Cords
Lights and electronic decorations often mean exposed cords. Pets may be enticed to chew on these cords, risking electric shocks or burns. Securing cords and using deterrents can help prevent accidents. Christmas trees are fun for cats to climb up, but if the tree falls, your cat can be seriously injured.
- Holiday Treats
Holiday treats are part of the season’s joy, but some can be perilous to pets. Sweets and baked goods, especially those containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can be toxic to animals. Even a small amount of xylitol can cause severe kidney problems. Marijuana in baked goods is also toxic.
- Visitors, Noise, and Altered Routine
The hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings and changes in routines, such as irregular feeding and house guests, can overwhelm pets. Some may be stressed by these changes or the loud noises from parties or fireworks. Provide a quiet space where your pet can relax. This is essential for trying to maintain some semblance of their routine and minimizing stress.
Remind guests to resist the temptation to give pets any food or treats as these can cause further issues. Also ask them to keep a close eye on household exits. A door accidentally left open may result in a missing or lost pet. Identifying your pet with a microchip can be invaluable in facilitating their return home.
- Gift Wrap and Packaging
Colorful packages may entice pets to investigate wrapping paper, ribbons, or bows. Ingesting these items can lead to choking hazards or intestinal blockages. Proper storage and disposal of these materials after unwrapping presents is crucial.
- 9. Cold Weather
Plummeting temperatures can harm pets. Ensure they have a warm and sheltered space indoors. Limit outdoor time and consider providing them with suitable clothing or blankets to keep them snug during chilly weather.
Taking proactive measures to mitigate these hazards ensures that our furry companions can also revel in the joyous holiday season without compromising their safety and well-being.
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Holiday Hazards for Pets
The holiday season brings cheer and celebration, yet amidst the festivities lurk potential hazards for our beloved pets. Being aware of these dangers is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being during this joyous time.
It’s always good to have Kulshan Vet’s number (360-354-5095) and the number of Pet Poison Help Line (855-764-7661) available BEFORE something happens to your pet. Searching for these numbers at a stressful time only makes the emergency worse. In an emergency, time can be of the essence.
- Rich Foods
Festive foods can be tempting for pets. However, many human delicacies are toxic to them. Chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, poses a significant threat. Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, and certain nuts can also be harmful or even fatal to pets. Feeding high fat foods such as ham, steak fat and gravy can cause pancreatitis which can be fatal.
Bones should be avoided. Bones can fracture teeth, get stuck in the throat and cause choking, and obstruct the stomach or small intestine.
- Decorations
Decorations can pose risks to curious pets. Tinsel, ornaments, ribbons, and even tree needles can become choking hazards or cause severe intestinal issues if ingested. Careful placement and supervision can prevent these potential dangers. Christmas tree additives can be toxic if your pet drinks this fun source of extra water.
- Plants
Holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, pine, yew, mistletoe, and amaryllis are toxic. Lilies and all their components (berries, leaves, pollen, water dish, leaves, stems, and the whole plant are toxic). While adding to the festive ambiance, many plants are harmful to pets if nibbled or ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), drooling, or more severe reactions.
- Candles and Fires
Candles and crackling fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere, but they also pose risks to pets. Candles can be knocked over, causing burns or fires, while open flames in fireplaces or menorahs can lead to accidental injuries. Scented potpourri and heated wax scent warmers can cause asthma attacks and be poisonous if ingested.
- Electrical Cords
Lights and electronic decorations often mean exposed cords. Pets may be enticed to chew on these cords, risking electric shocks or burns. Securing cords and using deterrents can help prevent accidents. Christmas trees are fun for cats to climb up, but if the tree falls, your cat can be seriously injured.
- Holiday Treats
Holiday treats are part of the season’s joy, but some can be perilous to pets. Sweets and baked goods, especially those containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can be toxic to animals. Even a small amount of xylitol can cause severe kidney problems. Marijuana in baked goods is also toxic.
- Visitors, Noise, and Altered Routine
The hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings and changes in routines, such as irregular feeding and house guests, can overwhelm pets. Some may be stressed by these changes or the loud noises from parties or fireworks. Provide a quiet space where your pet can relax. This is essential for trying to maintain some semblance of their routine and minimizing stress.
Remind guests to resist the temptation to give pets any food or treats as these can cause further issues. Also ask them to keep a close eye on household exits. A door accidentally left open may result in a missing or lost pet. Identifying your pet with a microchip can be invaluable in facilitating their return home.
- Gift Wrap and Packaging
Colorful packages may entice pets to investigate wrapping paper, ribbons, or bows. Ingesting these items can lead to choking hazards or intestinal blockages. Proper storage and disposal of these materials after unwrapping presents is crucial.
- 9. Cold Weather
Plummeting temperatures can harm pets. Ensure they have a warm and sheltered space indoors. Limit outdoor time and consider providing them with suitable clothing or blankets to keep them snug during chilly weather.
Taking proactive measures to mitigate these hazards ensures that our furry companions can also revel in the joyous holiday season without compromising their safety and well-being.
