Holiday Safety Concerns

This a favorite time of year for all of us and our pets. There are abundant treats available and lots of food left over after big meals. Additionally, unusual plants and tree decorations abound. Unfortunately, some of these represent unusual hazards that could interfere with the joy we share during the holidays. I have described a few of these in previous articles, however, this time of year I would like to share a more comprehensive list of potential health hazards with you.

1. Christmas Trees: The christmas tree water may contain preservatives and fertilizer. If consumed by

pets, it will cause an upset stomach. Stagnant water at the base of the tree can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Consumption could lead to vomiting,diarrhea and nausea. Christmas tree ornaments,ribbons and tinsel can be dangerous because they can cause an obstruction in the intestinal tract if consumed.

2. Holiday Plants: Pets who ingest holly can experience gastric upset. Mistletoe has it’s romantic side for us humans and could even cause a harmless heart palpitation under the right circumstances, however,for dogs and cats the cardiovascular problems are nota joke and gastric upset is also a side affect. For cats,all parts of lilies are toxic. Even in small amounts, theycan cause life threatening kidney problems. Poinsettia is less toxic than commonly believed, however,ingestion can cause mild stomach upset.

3. Beverages: Holiday beverages containing alcohol cancause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, central nervous depression, tremors and even potential comaand death. Carefully monitor the availability of sweetholiday drinks and beverages like egg nog. Coffee can cause agitation, rapid heart rates and vomiting.

4. Chocolate, Macadamia Nuts, Grapes and Raisins:Chocolate can cause cardiac and neurological symptoms,macadamia nuts cause weakness in the limbs,vomiting , and temors. Grapes and raisins have been documented as causing acute kidney failure in dogs. These are all foods that appear harmless and therefore could be left out or unattended in the presence of our pets.

5. Yeast Dough: Cookie and cake dough can be attractive edibles to our pets. Uncooked dough can swell in the stomach and cause extreme discomfort, bloat and depression. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the swollen contents surgically.

6. Bones: Poultry bones can splinter and cause damage

or blockage in the intestinal tract. This happens less

frequently than one might imagine, however, when it

does occur it is life threatening. Personally, I do not

like to see our pets consume any kind of bones. I have

seen large bones slowly chipped away and accumulate

to cause large obstructions in the stomach of a patient.

7. Fatty Food: Excessive fat in the diet can cause

inflammation of the pancreas. When this occurs,

digestive enzymes leak out of the pancreas and into the

abdominal cavity. It is an extremely painful and

potentially fatal condition. For this reason, I

recommend that you very carefully separate any fat

from food leftovers that you might be inclined to feed.

The holidays are a period for sharing joy with our

families and pets. The above list represents some

hazards that could interrupt this happy season. If your

pet ingests the above harmful substances, call your

veterinarian at once for advice. If not available, Angell

Animal Medical Center has an Animal Poison Control

Hotline: 877-2-ANGELL. Jacqie and I wish you and your

pets a happy and healthy holiday