The holidays are a fun time of year, but seasonal celebrations often include food, plants and other items that can endanger pets. Keep the following tips in mind to keep your pet safe this year!
Holiday foods
Pets should not be allowed the following foods. Report any ingestion to a veterinarian immediately.
1. Chocolate. Chocolate is toxic to dogs — the darker the chocolate, the worse the toxicity. Even small amounts of baking chocolate, cacao beans and nibs, cocoa powder or dark/semisweet chocolates can cause problems. Mild chocolate toxicity leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity, while severe chocolate toxicity causes heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, collapse, and worse. 2. Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gums, candies and medications for humans. It’s also sold as a sugar substitute for baking. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, causing low blood sugar and liver failure. If your pet ingests Xylitol, take her to a veterinarian immediately. 3. Onions, garlic. These and similar pungent vegetables and their extracts cause anemia and bleeding abnormalities; cats are particularly sensitive to their effects. Pets should not be fed items that contain onions, garlic or similar seasonings. 4. Nutmeg. In relatively large quantities (1/4 teaspoon or more), nutmeg can cause gastrointestinal upset and hallucinations in pets. 5. Raisins and grapes. These are fatally toxic to some dogs, even in small quantities. 6. Many other foods such as macadamia nuts, coffee, alcohol, moldy foods and undercooked meats can cause problems, and should be avoided.
Holiday plants
Should your pet ingest any of the following plants, contact a veterinarian immediately.
1. Mistletoe. The berries and leaves of mistletoe are toxic, and cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems. 2. Holly. Holly is mildly toxic, and ingestion can cause irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Most commonly, pets that eat holly leaves will show hypersalivation, head-shaking, pawing at the mouth and vomiting; these signs may be mild or severe. Ingestion of large quantities can cause gastrointestinal obstruction, which is an emergency indicated by vomiting. 3. Amaryllis. Amaryllis is a showy flower commonly used in Christmastime potted or cut arrangements. It comes in white, red, striped and other flower patterns. Primarily, the bulb and leaves are toxic to dogs and cats, the flowers somewhat less so. Ingestion of plant parts leads to poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and hypersalivation. Ingestion of large quantities can lead to sedation and seizures. 4. Poinsettia. The sap from these plants causes skin irritation, and ingestion of sap causes oral irritation and vomiting. However, signs associated with poinsettia ingestion are usually quite mild to absent. 5. Rosemary and other oily plants, including potpourri. The oils in these fragrant plants can cause significant irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. 6. Many other plants such as Christmas cactus, kalanchoe, jade and many other houseplants are toxic to pets. Lilies of most types are fatally toxic to cats. There are open-access lists of toxic plants available at www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control.
Environmental hazards
Many holiday decorations and environmental items can be dangerous to pets.
1. Christmas tree. Natural evergreens used as Christmas trees are non-toxic or only slightly toxic to dogs and cats when ingested. However, tree needles can cause direct irritation to the mouth, esophagus and stomach, and result in vomiting or (rarely) puncture. Consider chemicals added to the tree’s water supply — many animals like to drink from the Christmas tree water. Chemicals added to the water or sprayed on the tree as flame retardant can cause toxicity. Avoid decorating with tinsel or stringy garlands that could be chewed and swallowed, causing life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction. Tall trees should be anchored so that pets cannot capsize them, hurting the pet or causing a fire hazard. Artificial trees and artificial snow are reportedly non-toxic, but they may be treated with chemicals that are toxic. Large ingestions of anything can cause obstructions that could require emergency surgery. 2. Electrical cords and batteries. Keep electrical cords out of reach to avoid electrocution — chewing on electrical cords is a particular danger to playful puppies and kittens. Electrical-cord exposure can cause oral burns, seizures, collapse or severe breathing problems. Batteries are dangerous if punctured or swallowed. If your pet shows any of the problems listed here, or chews or swallows a battery, take her or him to a veterinarian immediately. 3. Stuffed toys. Be sure toys are safe by removing sharp or stringy elements, and remember that your dog should always be supervised. Dismembering, de-stuffing or eating the innards of plush toys can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction, which usually causes moderate to severe vomiting. 4. Candles. Be sure that lit candles are kept out of reach of all paws and tails.
If you have concerns about a possible exposure, call your veterinarian or a 24-hour emergency hospital immediately.
Dr. Burkitt is a member of the emergency and critical-care team at the Cherry Hill branch of Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She received her veterinary degree from the University of California at Davis.