While humans spend the holidays indulging in great food, conversation, and festivities, our animals are exposed to potentially toxic items. These includes foods, plants, and decorations. Many people will experience holiday emergencies for their animals. This can be expensive, timely, and very stressful. Being knowledgeable about what is dangerous for your animals can reduce the risk of an emergency. Some of the items might even surprise you!
TOXIC FOODS...
First off, the most common poisonous treat... Chocolate! Chocolate/cocoa contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Smaller amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but increased amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias resulting in an emergency situation!
Anything containing xylitol, a natural sweetener, is toxic to dogs. This would include sugarless gum, toothpaste, and "natural" peanut butter (anything labeled "sugar-free" should be avoided). Xylitol causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
Meat scraps, especially fatty pieces, can produce severe pancreatitis, which will also cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.
Alcohol will not give your pets a fun buzz during the holiday season. Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to the effects of alcohol. It is absorbed very quickly through the gastrointestinal tract. Some occurrences of ingestion can be mild with stomach upset, while increased ingestion can cause acute kidney or liver failure, and/or neurological issues.
TOXIC PLANTS...
Poinsettias and Christmas cactus, can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Lilies are common plants used in bouquets. There are many different lily species that are toxic to cats. They can cause gastrointestinal upset and even severe acute kidney failure.
Holly berries or mistletoe will cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Watch for excessive drooling, head shaking, trouble walking, and seizures.
DECORATIONS...
Tinsel, ribbon, string lights, cords, and homemade ornaments are all so tempting for your pets! Wouldn't life be so much easier if our animals knew what NOT to eat?! Many common decorations for the holidays put your animal at risk if ingested. Complications can include obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, electrocution, burns, electrolyte imbalance, vomiting, among other things. Put decorations high up and out of reach to avoid these complications.
Other ways to avoid complications include: using a nontoxic taste deterrent which can be sprayed on the Christmas tree and tree skirt; concealing cables/cords and spraying deterrent on the covering can also help; regular and consistent supervision of pets is recommended, especially during the holiday season. Another thought to keep in mind - animals that are not used to being around crowds of people can display unwanted behavior due to anxiety. Talk to your animals’ veterinarian to discuss options to make the holidays as stress free as possible for you and your animals.
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A SITUATION WHERE YOUR ANIMAL MAY BE IN DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE PET POISON HOTLINE OR YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY CLINIC.