With the holidays quickly approaching, many people are beginning to look forward to this festive season. From poisonous plants and glittery Christmas ornaments to all those goodies, pets have ample opportunity to get into mischief. Here are some hazards to watch out for this time of year.
Plants
Many popular plants during the holidays are severely toxic and even fatal to pets if ingested. Here are a few common ones found in homes (Toxic Plants).
- Holly- can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea, also causes depression/lethargy
- Christmas Rose- can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, blood diarrhea, seizures and delirium
- Mistletoe- can cause vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, a low heart rate, and erratic behavior
- Lilies- can cause renal failure, GI upset, and anorexia
- Peace Lily- can cause oral irritation and intense burning of the mouth and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
Food
Almost always in abundance this time of year, favorite human treats provide a tempting target for pets, especially dogs. But counter-surfing and rummaging through the trash can have disastrous consequences. (Gfeller & Messonnier, 2004).
- Chocolate- the toxic compounds in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine. Certain types of chocolate are much more toxic then others. Signs to watch out for include: vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, increased heart rate and respirations, tremors, and hyperactivity.
- Xylitol- often found in candies and gum, especially ones that are sugar-free. Signs to look for: vomiting, weakness, ataxia, depression, seizures, coma, and death.
- Alcohol- symptoms include: drunkenness, vomiting, bloody vomiting, central nervous system depression, retching, an alcohol odor on pet’s breath, coma and death
- Other poisonous foods include: coffee, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, raw yeast, macadamia nuts, and cherry or peach pits.
Other Hazards
Holiday lights and extension cords: can cause severe electrical burns and electrocution. Chemicals with in the lights themselves can also cause chemical burns and toxic reactions.
Christmas Ornaments, ribbons, tinsel, ect: these items present a tempting target for pets, who view them as fun toys. These items can cause an obstruction if swallowed and damage to the GI tract. They may also strangle pets if they become tangled, or cause lacerations if broken.
Christmas tree water: stagnant tree water is viewed as another water bowl to pets, but drinking the water can cause vomiting and diarrhea
Candles: pets can easily be burned by the candle flame or wax. Candles also pose a fire hazard if they are accidentally knocked over.
The best way to ensure you and your pet have a safe and happy holiday is prevention. Keep poisonous plants in a room that is inaccessible to your pet, or better yet, choose non-toxic alternatives such as a Christmas orchid instead. Keep food out of reach in sealed containers. Consider forgoing decorations such as ribbon and tinsel, and do not leave pets unsupervised around lights and cords. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic plant, or food, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Some good sources for additional information:
www.aspca.org This site provides an excellent list of toxic and non-toxic plants, as well as information about common toxicities
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680
Works Cited
Gfeller, R., & Messonnier, S. (2004). Small Animal Toxicology and Poisonings. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.
Toxic Plants. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2008, from Animal Poison Control: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplants
