Holiday Hazards for Cats and Dogs
Dangerous Thanksgiving Meals, Hazardous Christmas Ornaments and More
Oct 29, 2008
Any 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic can attest to the fact that the holidays are a dangerous time for pets. The number of poisonings, injuries, accidents and preventable illnesses rises dramatically from the latter part of November through early January.
Cat owners, dog owners, bird owners and other pet lovers should consider the following holiday hazards.
Pet Holiday Hazard 1: The Holiday Food
The incidence of pancreatitis in dogs increases dramatically around Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, as well-intentioned owners feed their dogs fatty foods and even fat trimmings, which cause a potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas. So avoid feeding fatty food and large quantities of a new food, as this can cause diarrhea or vomiting in dogs and cats.
So before the holidays arrive, pet owners should learn what foods are toxic to dogs and cats and keep the ASPCA pet poison control center number (888-426-4435) handy, just in case.
Pet Holiday Hazard 2: The Holiday Plants
Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly berries and some Christmas trees (cedar) can be toxic to dogs, cats, birds and even children! So pet owners should learn what plants are toxic to pets and avoid bringing those potentially poisonous plants into the home. And even non-toxic plants can cause quite an upset stomach if ingested by a dog or cat, so keep even "safe" plants well out of the reach of cats, dogs and other pets.
Pet Holiday Hazard 3: The Holiday Decorations
The Christmas tree poses its very own danger. Cats may try to climb the Christmas tree, causing the tree to tip and fall, breaking glass ornaments and light bulbs in the process. Cat owners should either keep the tree in an area that is off-limits to the cat when a human is not present to supervise, or consider tethering the tree using a bit of wire and some strategically placed eye hooks.
Pet owners should also avoid using glass ornaments on their Christmas trees, as this can pose a hazard to dogs, cats and humans if the glass ornaments are knocked off the tree and break. If glass Christmas tree ornaments cannot be avoided, place the breakable ornaments on the higher tree limbs.
Also avoid using tinsel on the Christmas tree or in other locations. Tinsel can cause intestinal obstructions in a dog or cat. Caution should also be used when placing garland in the home as a holiday decoration.
Candles or the menorah can pose a danger to pets, especially if unattended. The cat may wander too close to the flame, resulting in burns. Or a playful dog may bump into a table and knock a candle over, starting a fire.
Pet Holiday Hazard 4: The Holiday Party/Dinner Guests and Other Holiday Visitors
There's many guests coming into the home around the holidays this poses many dangers to pets.
A child who does not know how to properly interact with a dog or cat may end up the victim of a dog bite incident or cat clawing. As guests enter and exit the home for Thanksgiving dinner or a New Year's Eve party, this provides an opportunity for dogs, cats, and birds to escape, so all pets should be secured when holiday guests are expected.
A visitor may feed an inappropriate or toxic food to a cat, dog or other pet, resulting in a holiday pet poisoning incident. And a house guest may leave inappropriate and potentially toxic food items (i.e. chocolates) inside their guestroom or in their open luggage - easy pickings for a curious and hungry cat or dog. Educate guests about the do's and don't's inside a home with a pet.
Pet Holiday Hazard 5: The Presents
If a gift contains a food item, like gourmet chocolates, a dog is going to know exactly what's inside - the dog's nose always knows! So if a wrapped gift is placed under the Christmas tree, this provides the dog with an opportunity to "open" the holiday gift before December 25. Before placing a present under the Christmas tree, always ask the gift giver if the contents include a food item that may attract unwanted attention from the dog.
Pet owners may also enjoy reading about Thanksgiving Hazards and Dangers for Pets.
