The winter season is full of joy and merriment for all, your pet included. However, unlike his human companions, your pet isn’t wizened to the dangers lurking in your home throughout the holidays – maybe you aren’t either. Keep your pet happy and healthy for the new year by being cautious of these 3 common household holiday pet dangers.
Holiday Decorations
Tinsel is a bright and light-catching holiday decoration that is not toxic. However, if your pet consumes it, it could have dire consequences, such as vomiting, dehydration and even possibly surgery. Ornaments can break into pieces and cut your pet’s paws, or even be eaten and cause lacerations on the tongue and throat. Furthermore, lighted candles, while beautiful, can be a fire hazard that your pet easily knocks over. Maintain a watchful eye of tinsel and ornaments (or come up with pet-friendly decor), and place candles on stable surfaces.
Plants
From the tree to other decorative plants, your pet has plenty of choices to chew from during the holidays. But, it shouldn’t! Never allow your pet to drink from the stagnant water in the Christmas tree pail, as this water often contains harmful bacteria. Carefully stabilize trees to ensure they don’t fall over and injure your dog or cat. Other plants such as holly and mistletoe can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Despite what you may have heard, poinsettia isn’t fatal to your pet. Nonetheless, sap from its leaves is mildly toxic and can cause irritation in the mouth and stomach.
Food
Just like during other times of the year, it’s best to refrain from giving your pet any human food, or leaving such foods unattended. Chocolate, xylitol-sweetened foods, nuts, fat-trimmings, bones, and foods with grapes or raisins should be kept away from your pet to avoid a trip to the hospital. Lastly, be sure those holiday cocktails or desserts made with alcohol are enjoyed far away from your pet to prevent alcohol toxicity.
For more information on keeping your pet safe over the holiday season, contact Animal Emergency Care of Braselton.
