HOLIDAY HAZARDS
The holidays are a very busy and special time when families and friends gather to celebrate. Unfortunately some of the things we use to decorate our houses can be potential dangers for our pets. Listed below are some items that can potentially harm your pets:

THANKSGIVING:

RICH AND FATTY FOODS: Food such as gravy, turkey, turkey skins and mashed potatoes can be very tasty for both our pets and us. Just like us, eating these foods in excess can cause stomach upset. Conditions such as pancreatitis can occur and may have to be treated by your veterinarian.

TURKEY BONES AND CARCASSES: Bones may look like a good way to keep your dog occupied, but they can break or splinter as they are being chewed. These splinters can irritate both the throat and digestive tract.  Swallowed whole bones and especially carcasses can cause an obstruction to the GI tract, which may have to be removed surgically. 

BAKING STRINGS: They are convenient for cooking but not for your pet. If ingested these strings can cause an obstruction of the GI tract. They will be especially tempting for your pet after used for cooking. Try to keep them out of reach.

CHRISTMAS:

HOLIDAY PLANTS: There are many decorative plants for the holidays. Although they are beautiful, many can be toxic to your pet. The following plants are known to be toxic:
Christmas Rose
Holly
lilies
Mistletoe
Poinsettia

RIBBONS: Although they can look cute placed around your pet’s neck they can be a potential choking hazard. Eating ribbons can lead to obstructions in the GI tract, which may require surgery.

BUBBLING/DECORATIVE LIGHTS:  Newer versions of these festive lights only create a potential problem once the glass breaks. The older versions of these lights can contain Methylene Chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical once ingested. Chewing on the wires from Christmas lights can be harmful for your cat or dog.
 

ANGEL HAIR (SPUN GLASS):  If it breaks the glass can be irritating to the eyes and skin.  If eaten by your pet it can cause obstructions of the GI tract.

FIRE SALTS:  They may cause your fire to be more spectacular, but they are not good for you pet. These salts contain chemicals that are toxic if ingested.

CHRISTMAS TREE WATER:  To your dog or cat the tree stand can appear to be just another water bowl in the house.  But stagnant tree water (especially water containing preservatives) could result in stomach upset or vomiting if swallowed.

DECORATION HOOKS:  These shiny hooks can be seen as a tempting toy for you pet. They are small and can be swallowed quickly.  If eaten they can cause obstructions and/or trauma to the GI tract.

STYROFOAM:  It helps our packages arrive safely, but when it comes to our pets it is dangerous.  If swallowed Styrofoam can cause choking. The materials that compose it can also upset the GI tract. 

ORNAMENTS:  They are an essential part of decorating your Christmas tree, but to your pet they can appear to be toys. Since many are glass they can cause injury when broken. Ornaments are harmful if swallowed and ingesting them may lead to necessary surgery.

TINSEL: These shiny strings are just begging your cat to play with them. If ingested it can be a choking hazard or cause internal trauma. Tinsel can obstruct the GI tract and may have to be removed by surgery.

 CHOCOLATE: The active ingredient in chocolate is harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. It can irritate the GI tract and cause vomiting and diarrhea. If ingested in large quantities it can be very toxic. Please call your local veterinarian with any concerns.
 

NEW YEARS:
BALLOONS AND CONFETTI:  They help make your party festive, but they appear as play things for your pet.  Balloons are a choking hazard and can cause an obstruction if swallowed.

LOUD NOISES:  Loud noises are very common around New Years. Many pets are frightened by these noises and can get scared and run off. Try to keep your pet in a quiet room away from noisemakers, fireworks, music etc. if they are easily startled by loud noises. 



VALENTINE'S DAY
FLOWERS: Roses and other flowers containing thorns can be harmful if stepped on, played with or swallowed. Thorns can cause puncture wounds and cuts that may need to be assessed by your veterinarian. 

LILLIES: Many varieties of Lilies can be toxic to cats if ingested. Because we tend to keep them in places where they are accessible, you should make sure your pets are not eating them.

CHOCOLATE:  Chocolate in any form or amount contains theobormine and caffeine.  Both of these things stimulate the nervous system causing tremors and an increased heart rate.  Clinical signs of ingestion are vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and increased thirst. Contact your Veterinarian if ingestion occurs.