The holidays tend to be a time for us to celebrate with friends and family, which for many pet owners includes their four-legged companions. What we sometimes overlook are the hazards associated with the holidays — from sharing the food we consume, letting our pets help us “redecorate” and giving them access to our presents under the tree. Some of the most common concerns of pet toxicities and tribulations are noted here for to help you prepare for your seasonal celebrations.
Fresh greenery placed in your home brings not only the color and scent of the season but a potential hazard to your companion. A Christmas tree with its holiday decor can attract puppies and kittens to investigate what they see as a new “toy” for them. Extension cords and electric lights can be chewed on, causing not only electric burns in your pet’s mouth but potential electrocution. Holiday balls that look so beautiful on our trees become a “punching bag” for our playful pets. If they fall and break, they can cut our pets’ sensitive paw pads with their razor-sharp edges or, if ingested, can cut his/her mouth, esophagus or stomach. Tinsel hanging from a tree presents a challenge for our cats to catch and pull down. If ingested, a strand of tinsel can get caught in your cat’s intestines, leading to a possible obstruction or, worse yet, a perforation of the intestines.
Other holiday plants also serve as a poisonous risk to our pets. Poinsettias are chosen most often to decorate our homes. If chewed on by our inquisitive companions, the milky sap can cause them to vomit and drool. Mistletoe is thankfully hung high for us to see, but if our pets ingest it, they can become very ill and it can even lead to death, especially if they eat the berries. Other seasonal plants, such as amaryllis and lilies, can also cause gastrointestinal upsets in our companions, but cats are at higher risk of damaging their kidneys.
What hides under our trees can also be potentially harmful. The water bowl that we fill for our tree will also attract our pets if you add any sugar to the water. Drinking the sap-filled water can cause intestinal and stomach upsets for our friends. Use of aspirin in the water or other tree-life extenders is contraindicated, as this can be very toxic to cats. Presents under the tree may not be labeled for our companions, but they don’t seem to pay attention to that detail. Cats, especially, find ribbons to be another fun toy to chew and pull on. If ingested, just like the tinsel, a ribbon can become a hazard to their digestive system where only surgery can help remove it. Dogs, with their amazing sense of smell, will sniff every gift to find that special chocolate surprise we wrapped so nicely. Ingestion of solid dark chocolates may be healthier for the dog’s human companions, but it’s the most toxic form of chocolate for them, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea, hyperexcitability and potential heart-rhythm changes.
The final concern is our holiday “feast” which tends to make us feel that all should share in consuming. Letting our dog chew the bone from our holiday ham can produce boney splinters that can lodge in intestines or obstruct bowel movements. Hard bones can also fracture their precious teeth. Giving them the “scraps,” which mainly are high in fat, can lead to severe gastrointestinal upsets and life-threatening pancreatitis. Letting them share in our holiday “cheer” can also lead to vomiting and dehydration but, just like with people, overconsumption can lead to coma and death. Our post-“cheer” headache cure, which typically consists of a form of pain reliever such as aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen), can be the final detriment to our furry companions. Ingestion of any of these can lead to gastric ulcers, bleeding issues or renal or liver failure.
For this holiday season, share the spirit of celebration with your special companion but remember to stay vigilant of the hidden dangers. If your pet is exposed to any of these hazards, please seek immediate veterinary care. Recognize that many hospitals are closed for the holidays but local emergency hospitals remain open for holiday mishaps. If your pet ingests something that may be toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4ANI-HELP) for advice on whether emergency care is needed.
Stay safe and healthy this holiday season and let Fido and his friends frolic and play.
Dr. Claudia Casavecchia, owner of Society Hill Veterinary Hospital, is vice president of the Pennsylvania SPCA.