HAVE A PET-SAFE CHRISTMAS!
by N.B. Liquorman
Nel Liquorman, Health
Editor
/
TheDogPress © December 2006 -
Ho!
HO! Ho! And HOLD IT! until you can review these warnings and tips
for keeping your pet safe during the holidays and year round! Enjoy the
sparkle and glitter of the holidays, but remember that most pets are
also attracted to the seasonal decorations, and keeping your pet safe
will require special care. A review of items that may be harmful (or
fatal) to your pet seems in order, and I always feel a need to review
them from time to time myself. Below are some of the hazards and some
solutions to help you keep the merry in you holidays without
emergency trips to the vet, or worse.
One of the biggest hazards is TINSEL on your Christmas tree. Both dogs
and cats are attracted to it, and pets frequently eat this stuff, which
will slice up their entire gastro-intestinal system (also, confetti
poses the same problem). If it gets into a ball, surgery will be
required. Even if it does not ball up and cause a blockage, your pet may
get so sliced up internally and lose so much blood that it could be
fatal. (Pretty package ribbons or dental floss while not quite as bad,
can pose similar problems – so take care year round!) Unfortunately,
many items that pets can potentially swallow will not show up on x-rays
unless air is trapped along with the items. This can make a diagnosis
take a lot of time and be very costly – meanwhile your pet will be
suffering.
A Christmas tree standing in chemical-free water may seem safe enough,
but the sap mixes with the water and may be more toxic than the
chemicals used to keep the tree fresh. Bacteria from the standing water,
or fertilizers that were used while the tree was in the ground, could
both pose a danger of stomach upset. Spray on snow adds more chemical
risks – so be aware!
Additionally, trees must be secured so that they can’t fall on the pet.
Any electric wiring may be likely to be chewed by your pet, but the risk
is even greater when the wires are attached to dazzling lights. Protect
your pet from the dangling wiring. When you go out, unplug the lights,
so you pet is not in danger of being in a fire while you are gone. My
personal motto when it comes to risks from fires is “THE ONLY THINGS OF
VALUE IN THIS HOUSE ARE THE PETS”!
Even a hook used to hang an ornament may be swallowed by a pet, and it
could be as bad as swallowing a fishhook. A hook dropped into carpet
could be stepped on and driven into your pet’s paw – or your own.
Painted imported wooden ornaments and toys may contain lead, especially
if these items are from China. Try hanging the wooden ornaments too high
for the pet to reach if he has access to the tree area.
A small glass ornament may be mistaken for a ball, and if your dog can
get his mouth around it, it can get broken, cutting his mouth or being
ingested causing damage to the gastro-intestinal tract. And of course, a
broken ornament on the floor is – well, walking on glass!
Live Christmas flowers and plants are toxic. Lilies of many kinds can
cause kidney failure if ingested by pets, while poinsettias, mistletoe,
Christmas cactus, and holly can inflict a wide range of discomfort, such
as irritation to the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or
general gastro-intestinal upset. If that is not enough, now many florist
use
cocoa mulch in potted plants, and it is toxic. While it is deadly to
cats if ingested, dogs may not fair a lot better.
Much like small children, pets are curious, and candles present a real
danger. Keep them well out of reach, and remember that any flame gives
off some carbon monoxide, so don’t get carried away with the number of
tapers since your windows are tightly closed in the winter. Not good for
you or a smaller life form.
Foods of the season may be more dangerous that you think, even in small
portions. Keep pets away from chocolate, alcoholic drinks, raisins, and
onions (or dips, dressings, etc., that contain onions). Onions are not
the only hazard of holiday food table scraps. Garlic, fatty skin from
the turkey, many spices, and bones may do more than just sicken your
pet. And, never give your pet any yeast dough when you are baking. This
could rise and possibly have fatal results. Coffee, coffee grounds, or
coffee beans can also be harmful.
Non-seasonal items like plastic wrap and plastic bags can be harmful to
your pet for a variety of reasons. If tasty food is attached, they may
be ingested. If you use liquid
potpourris to fragrance your home, take care that your pet does not
ingest any. Just getting against the spilled liquid from these products
and then grooming may result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage
for a cat. Surely, this could happen to your dog as well. Even rubber
bands pose a choking hazard, and they could block the intestines. They
contain a chemical that especially attracts cats. Who can say that dogs
would not be attracted to the chemical?
While you are enjoying the wonders of winter, don’t forget that your pet
could suffer hypothermia. Also, road salts and chemicals are picked up
on his paws and needs washing off. Not only can they irritate the pads
of the paws and the surrounding skin, but they should not be licked off
for obvious reasons.
Batteries contain corrosives. If a pet chews on a battery and ingests
these corrosives, they can cause ulcers to the mouth, tongue and entire
gastro-intestinal tract. Even small amounts of antifreeze can be lethal
if your pet ingests it. Always clean up any spills and store it safely.
Remember that it tastes good, and it will kill you pet! Although there
is now a supposedly safer anti-freeze available, it is also harmful if
swallowed. Less toxic does not mean safe!
Don’t forget about any chemicals that you use year long (cleaners and
personal items) that could harm your pet. When it comes to chemicals,
remember that reading labels could save your life and the life of your
pet.
During the hustles, bustles, and stresses of the season, take care not
to leave your medications around. An accidentally dropped pill could be
fatal to your pet, so take time to pay attention to the little details
of everyday living.
Rodents are more of a problem during winter months, so risk to your pet
from rat poison is greater. While you may not use the poisons, remember,
that your neighbor may use and dispose of them without thought that they
could be eaten by neighborhood pets.
As a backup plan, keep your veterinarian, local emergency veterinary
service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control center (1-888-426-4435)
phone numbers handy. (Currently, the fee is $55 and you will need to
charge to a credit card when calling the poison control number.) Be
sure to download and print this time-saving form which could also be
lifesaving for your pet -
(TAKE IT TO THE VET)
By now you must be wondering how you have managed to keep you pet alive
so far. However, reviewing all the things that I mentioned will make you
so aware that you pet should be safe enough. Just remember to give your
pet some extra attention so he does not feel neglected while everyone is
making merry during this wonderful season, and make it the safest one
ever for you and your pet!
http://www.thedogpress.com/Columns/Liquorman/0612-PetSafe-X-mas.asp
Related Links:
Pet Safe Christmas,
Poisonous Holiday Plants
5 Most Hazardous Plants
Real Holiday Spirit
Liquorman
Handy links:______________________
Investigative Reports on Deadly Dog Food are in sequential order
