Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

The holidays are a festive time for all, however some of the food and decorations we enjoy during the season can be harmful to our furry friends.

Holiday Decorations

Make sure to secure your Christmas tree and large decorations: These can pose a crush hazard to small dogs and cats.  Keep any decorations that could be chewed or swallowed out of reach of Fluffy and Fido, and be cautious of ribbons and tinsel -- string-like material has special interest to cats.  The vet's office is the last place you'll want to be during the holidays.

Electrical cords

Also a favorite chew toy of puppies and kittens , electrical cords can cause a life-threatening electric shock, tongue burns and sometimes even fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary edema) which requires immediate veterinary attention.

Holiday Dinners and Goodies

While these delights are no good for our waistlines, they can have severe consequences in our furry friends.  These range from stomach upset to toxic effects from things like onions, garlic, chocolate and xylitol (sweetener commonly found in gum).  Best to offer dog and cat treats and save the turkey and gravy for the humans.

Poinsettia & Mistletoe

Contrary to popular belief, Poinsettia is not as toxic as once thought, causing mouth and stomach irritation if chewed on.  Mistletoe, on the other hand, varies in its toxicity, ranging from mild stomach upset to liver failure or seizures.  This may be something to do without if you have pets in the home. 

Fireworks

Some dogs and cats have a phobia of loud noises -- some more severe than others.  If you know your pet is afraid of fireworks and a New Year's fireworks display is scheduled in your area, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Lilies and Grapes/Raisins

I mention these simply because they are little-known toxins to pets.  Lilies are INCREDIBLY toxic to cats. If you are a cat lover, I would recommend NEVER bringing lilies into your home.  When ingested, lillies, grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure, which may or may not be reversible. 

Antifreeze

Antifreeze, a necessity in the winter months, is deathly toxic to animals - call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY if you suspect your pet has ingested this toxic substance. 

Identification

Make sure your pet has a collar & ID tag with up-to-date contact information, or better yet, consider having your pet microchipped. Now is a good time to make sure the microchip information is up-to-date.  If Fluffy or Fido escape during the coming and going of the holiday season, this will greatly increase the chance that they will be returned to you. This is especially important if you are traveling with your pet.

Cold Weather

Another common area of concern is exposure to cold weather.  Dogs and cats used to living indoors should have only short exposure outdoors when the temperature falls below freezing.  Short-coated dog breeds would benefit from a little sweater to keep them warm on cold winter days. 

With careful planning, supervision and appropriate pet treats, the season can be as much fun for Fluffy and Fido as it is for us! 

Dr. Sarah Alward is a veterinarian at the and with Hamptons Housecalls, a veterinary housecall service.