Everyone wants their holidays to be bright and beautiful, but this can also lead to many problems for your pets. We want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday and no emergency vet visits so here are some helpful hints:Poisonous Plants:
Holly leave & berries can cause stomach upsets and even be fatal for dogs
Mistletoe can cause stomach upsets and heart collapses
Hibiscus can cause diarrhea
Poinsettias have irritating sap that causes blistering in the mouth and stomach upsets
Decorations and Wrappings:
Ribbon, yarn and string causes intestinal obstruction and bunching of intestines. Which will require surgery and can be fatal
Ribbons on pets necks are cute but very dangerous
Adhesives and Glue smells are very attactant to dogs, but are toxic
Potpourri oils are toxic
Candles can cause burns and fires
Batteries, Perfumes and After-shaves are also toxic
Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation
Tinsels cause blockages that most often need surgery
Angel hair, flocking and artificial snow are mildly toxic
Chewing of electrical cords cause burns in the mouth, electrical shocks and death by electrocution
Food on the tree cause many problems, candy canes, gingerbread people, popcorn, raisin and cranberries are just asking for trouble.
Food:
Rich, fatty foods, like gravy or grease, can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting, and dehydration.
Alcohol can cause serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to it. Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol consumption.
Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Chocolate, with theobromine, is especially a problem because dogs love its flavor. Problems from ingestion range from diarrhea to seizures and death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog's reach.
Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing lacerations (tearing) throughout the intestinal tract. Rawhides, Kong toys, and hardened, sterilized bones would be better alternatives.
Tobacco products can be fatal to pets, if ingested. Signs of poisoning develop within 15 to 45 minutes and include excitation, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets may develop seizures, collapse and die from cardiac arrest. Keep cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, nicotine gum and patches, and ashtrays out of the reach of pets. Empty ashtrays frequently since cigarette butts contain about 25% of the total nicotine in a cigarette.
Uncooked yeast dough can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.
The artificial sweetner, xylitol, that is present in some gums, breath mints, candy, and other human food can be very toxic to dogs.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.
Meat juices on plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, plastic or foil wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap) can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
Meat-soaked strings from rump roasts are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical emergency called a 'linear string foreign body' in the intestines.
To be safe, put away food immediately, and pet-proof your garbage. Garbage contains all kinds of other hazards for your dog such as plastic wrap and bags, 6-pack beverage holders that could cause strangulation, fat trimmings, bones, and pieces of ribbon or tinsel.
Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.
see article pet education.com by Drs. Foster & Smith Inc. written by: Marty Smith, DVM
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