Health Topic

PET SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season can present unique challenges to pet owners. A variety of items used frequently during the holidays, such as ornaments, tinsel, chocolate, alcohol, and ornaments hooks, can potentially pose a hazard to your pet’s health. Therefore, it is important to recognize some of the more common holiday hazards that can adversely affect pets.

- Mistletoe and holly are highly toxic and should be kept out of your pet’s reach. Poinsettia are not considered toxic, however they can cause stomach upset and other gastrointestinal problems.

- Keep all alcoholic beverages away from your pet. Even a small amount of alcohol consumption can be dangerous for your pet. Left over alcoholic beverages should be emptied out immediately so that pets will not be able to
drink them.

- Foods, such as turkey and chocolate, can be hazardous to your pet’s health, as cooked bones from a turkey (or similar meat) can splinter when chewed and can then puncture the esophagus or mouth of your pet and chocolate contains an ingredient that is toxic to pets. Discuss the signs of chocolate poisoning with your veterinarian.

- Keep your pet away from electrical items, such as tree lights, electric toys, and extension cords. - Check all presents and toys to make sure they do not
contain small parts that your pet could easily choke on. If a gift does contain small parts be sure to keep them out of your pet’s reach.

- Keep ornaments and tinsel out of your pet’s reach, as chewing and/or ingesting those items can damage your pet’s mouth and potentially obstruct their intestines, stomach or esophagus.

- Ornament hooks can tear at your pet’s mouth or puncture other body parts, such as a cat or dog’s paws. A better alternative to ornament hooks is utilizing
ribbons to affix the ornament to the tree.- Anchor Christmas trees to the ceiling with string to keep them from falling on pets

- Don’t let pets drink the holiday tree water, as it may contain fertilizers or bacteria.

- Clean up all pine needles from holiday trees so that pets cannot ingest them, as they can puncture their intestines.- Use fire place screens to prevent burns and keep candles on high shelves.

Any object can become a potential hazard to your pet’s health. It is extremely important to practice prevention to safeguard your pet’s health during the holidays and every day.