The Christmas season should be a happy time of year; but holiday plants, ribbons and tinsel, the Christmas tree, and rich food could spell disaster for your pets.
There are a few popular holiday plants to be careful with during the Christmas season. These plants include but are not limited too: poinsettia, mistletoe, and holly. If your pet comes into contact with these plants it is better to play it safe and call your veterinarian. Many plants cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms might be avoided if treatment for toxicity is started immediately.
Christmas Tree –
Many families include a Christmas tree as part of their holiday decorations. Some dogs and cats like to drink the tree water; the water itself is not poisonous, but if a fertilizer was added to the water it may be poisonous. This fertilizer may cause the pet to suffer with diarrhea and vomiting. It is better to try to prevent the pets from drinking tree water by keeping it covered.
Many cats love to climb the Christmas tree. This by itself is not really dangerous, unless the tree is knocked over, then the cat could withstand a traumatic injury. There is no sure fire way to keep cats from climbing except to keep them separated from the tree, unless supervised.
Ornaments and lights are also commonly chewed and/or ingested by dogs and cats. This can become very dangerous especially if the pet is electrocuted or develops a GI foreign body. A foreign body usually requires surgery to remove it; this is a traumatic surgery that not all pets survive. Also, glass ornaments and lights commonly leave cuts and lacerations in the mouth if chewed.
Ribbons and Tinsel –
Holiday decorations like ribbon and tinsel cause some problems if the pet ingests them. This is more commonly seen in cats that like to play with string. Cats that ingest the ribbon or tinsel can develop a foreign body. This type of foreign body may cause the intestine to fold on itself like an accordion, this in turn causes a lack of circulation to parts of the intestine. If the intestine starts to die due to lack of circulation then the cat may need part of the bowel surgically removed. Foreign bodies generally require surgery to remove them, it is better to try to avoid this traumatic surgery. If cats are in the home it is recommended to not use tinsel or ribbon as part of the holiday decorations. Foreign body symptoms include but are not limited too; vomiting and lethargy. Cats that have ingested ribbons or tinsel should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Food –
Many holiday foods are rich and yummy; too rich for dogs and cats to eat as part of a holiday treat. Foods that are out of the ordinary can cause GI upset and a serious condition called pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is caused by the pancreas becoming inflammed, usually following a fatty meal. Pancreatitis causes severe stomach pain, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and in severe cases death. If your pet exhibits these symptoms it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Parties –
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season leaves many pets stressed out. During holiday parties it is better to leave dogs and cats locked in a safe room with food/water, litter box, and a favorite toy. Pets may sneak out the door while guests are coming and going; it is a good idea to have your pet wear a collar and ID with current information.
Source – Personal experience, see Bio.
The copyright of the article Christmas Dangers For Pets in Pet Care is owned by Charla Dawson. Permission to republish Christmas Dangers For Pets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
