by N.B. Liquorman

 

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!
 

Handy Links:_________________________________

 

Other Articles by Nel:

author and international authority on Flea Control

MSG, The Food You Eat - April, 2006

Flea Poison - July, 2006

Evacuating - An Emotional Trauma - August, 2006

My Experience with Veterinary Care - September 2006

Side Effects - Do Your Own Research - October 2006

Have a Pet Safe Christmas - December 2006

WD40 Usage Danger - June 2007

Botulism In both Human and Pet Foods - 2007

Recall Handling Of The Pet Food Recall - 2007

email: Nel@Liquorman.net