Christmas Trees
If you display a live tree, anchor it solidly so it doesn’t tip over on your pets. Some even recommend anchoring it to the ceiling with string! And be aware that pine needles can be dangerous for pets that may eat them. The needles can puncture your pet’s intestines, so keep your tree watered well and pick up fallen needles as soon as possible.
Be sure to prevent your pet from drinking the tree water, as it can often be contaminated with fertilizers that can be harmful to your pet. Check the labels on any preservatives you intend to add to the water, as well as artificial snow, as those can be toxic to pets. And don’t put aspirin in the water (some people believe this helps the tree or other plants stay healthy longer) – your pet’s health or life can be at stake if it drinks the aspirin-laced water. Some people use attractive fireplace screens around the tree to keep their curious pets out of harm’s way…and to keep innocent presents out of harm’s way from their pets!
Tinsel, Ornaments, and Gift Wrapping
Keep tinsel and ornaments on higher tree branches, and make sure to pick them up off the floor quickly if they fall. Pets who swallow those intriguing “toys” can end up with blockages in their intestines, and may require surgery to remove those blockages. This applies to strings of confetti during New Year’s celebrations, also. Glass from broken ornaments can cause obvious problems, and even ornaments made from dried food can lead to sickness.
After gifts are exchanged and opened, clean up paper, bows and things such as plastic wrap and Styrofoam as quickly as possible. Make sure small toys are not left within your pet’s reach, and be on the lookout for small pieces of plastic and other materials that may have broken off of toys or packaging.
Electrical Wires and Batteries
Electrical wires and batteries can be potentially harmful to our pets. Wires can cause potentially lethal electrical shocks, and punctured batteries can cause burns in the mouth and esophagus if chewed on by your pet. Tape down or cover cords to keep your pet from chewing on them, and unplug lights when you are not at home.
Plants
Most people are aware that poinsettias are poisonous to our pets, but did you know that holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested? Mistletoe can cause similar symptoms, as well as cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Choose instead artificial plants made from plastic or silk, which can be just as beautiful and appear very realistic.
Candles
It goes without saying that you should place candles high away from where pets can reach them, and never leave candles unattended. Not only could pets burn themselves, but a fire could be started in the house should one be knocked over.
Tasty (and Forbidden!) Treats
Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food! You probably already know not to give your pets anything with chocolate in it, or anything containing xylitol as a sweetener, but don’t underestimate the lengths to which a furry friend will go to score a yummy holiday treat! Don’t allow guests to feed your pets human food…many holiday foods, especially fatty foods, can cause not only vomiting and diarrhea, but also more serious toxic reactions and even pancreatitis, a potentially fatal illness (see my post “Pancreatitis and the Holidays – It’s the Thought That Counts”). Ribbons, candy wrappers, and shiny little pieces of foil can choke pets. And don’t forget to keep them away from the garbage.
Alcohol
Make sure you and your guests place unattended alcoholic drinks where your pets can’t reach them. If ingested, alcohol can cause your pet to become ill and weak, and may result in a coma or even death from respiratory failure.
Activity and Excitement
Holiday guests and other activity around the holidays can be very stressful for your pets. Make sure they have a quiet place they can retreat to, and don’t force them to interact with guests if they appear to want to be left alone. Some pets drink more when they are stressed (dogs tend to pant more in response to stress, for example), so make sure they have plenty of fresh water available. And be sure they are wearing collars with ID tags and are microchipped, if possible, in case they escape the house in the excitement of guests coming and going.
In an Emergency
If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP. You can also use the Animal Hospital Locator found online at http://www.healthypet.com/hospital_search.aspx
In the meantime, you can try giving your dog supplemental fiber such as whole wheat or other high-fiber bread, canned pumpkin or Metamucil, any of which can help bulk up the stools the help the foreign material pass through your pet’s digestive system. Dosages depend on the size of your pet. For Metamusil, try a teaspoon for a small dog or cat, and a tablespoon for a big dog. For pumpkin, feed from one-quarter to two-thirds of a cup.
Happy Holidays from the Dog Listener of Southern California!
