As
you prepare for your holiday celebrations,” says Dr. Steven
Hansen, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Animal Health Services,
“remember to be wary of foods and traditions that can bring
potential dangers to companion animals.”
In honor of the joyous season to come, ASPCA poison control
experts offer these essential tips for having pets at the party
in a safe way:
Avoid Too Much of a Good Thing
While the holidays are a time for giving, there are some foods
you should not share with your furry friends. A taste of mashed
potato or a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem.
However, alcoholic beverages, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast
dough and macadamia nuts can all lead to stomach upset, diarrhea
or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as
pancreatitis. A special no-no is chocolate, which if ingested
can lead to death. And you may want to skip sharing the
turkey—poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.
Put the Meds Away
One of the most common holiday-related emergencies is the
consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all your
medications are securely locked away, and be sure to tell your
guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
That Holiday Glow
When you leave the room, put the candles out! Animals can easily
knock lit candles over, causing a fire, and curious cats are
particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames. Also,
be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on stable
surfaces.
Decorations Can Be Dangerous
Holiday decorations such as breakable ornaments, string, ribbon
and dreidels should be kept out of paws’ reach. These
traditional decorations can cause choking or severe intestinal
problems if swallowed. All holiday light strands, loose wires
and electric cords can also pose serious dangers to your pet,
especially puppies, who may chew on them.
Go Tinsel-less
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to
bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a
swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe
vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to
brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
Forgo the Flowers
Be careful with holiday floral arrangements. Lilies are commonly
used this time of year and all varieties, including Tiger,
Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney
failure in cats. In addition, common Yuletide plants such as
mistletoe and holly berries can be potentially toxic to pets.
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and
cardiovascular problems. Safe alternatives include artificial
flowers made from silk or plastic.
Oh, Christmas Tree
Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. Be sure to
securely anchor your tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing
possible injury to your pet. Also keep in mind that tree water
may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset if
ingested. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground
for bacteria, and, if ingested, a pet may suffer nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea.
New Year’s Noise
As you count down to the New Year, be alert to any pet hazards
such as noise-makers and confetti. Noise-makers can frighten
your pets, causing them to bolt out an open door or window.
Confetti, if ingested, can wreak havoc on the digestive tract.
Holiday Travel
Before traveling with your pets by car or plane, make sure they
have all the required vaccinations and are wearing
identification tags or are microchipped. If you're traveling by
car, be sure to secure your pet safely with a seatbelt harness,
crate or barrier and make frequent stops, allowing pets time to
exercise and relieve themselves.
If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful
products and you need emergency advice, please consult your
veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at
(888) 426-4435 (a fee applies) or
www.aspca.org/apcc.
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