Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas may be among the most festive and joyous in your family, but these holidays are among the most dangerous for pets. Treats, decorations and other goodies kept in your home during this time often prove irresistible to your pet, often resulting in more emergency vet visits during the holidays than any other time of year. This is why extra vigilance is required to keep your pets safe during the holidays. Below is a list of some of the most common hazards pets often face during the holidays, and what you can do to prevent an emergency from occurring.
Chocolate is among the most toxic substances a pet can consume. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, a compound very similar to caffeine. Theobromine can be toxic to dogs and cats even in small quantities, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid heartbeats, muscle tremors, coma and even death. Therefore, chocolate should never be given to your pet, in any amount. If you feel that your pet deserves a little indulgence during the holiday, be sure to stick with treats made specifically for pets. These goodies are not only safe, but they are made with the ingredients your pet will love.
Aluminum or plastic wrapping candy wrappings can also be a potential pet hazard. Many pets (especially cats and puppies) are naturally drawn to the texture, bright colors, and crinkly sounds of these wrappings and often consume them unintentionally while playing with them. Consumption of these items can cause intestinal upset or even an intestinal obstruction. It is important to remember to keep all candy dishes, Easter baskets, Christmas stockings and Halloween treat bags out of your pet's reach at all times.
In addition to chocolate, many other human foods can be dangerous for pets to consume, including those high in fat and sugar. Candy or food containing nuts is also something that should not be given to pets, as nuts pose a potential choking hazard and can also cause a severe intestinal upset. Anything containing sugar should also be avoided, as excessive sugar consumption can upset the insulin levels in dogs and cats, leading to diabetes. Also, remember that alcohol and animals don’t mix; alcohol should never be given to pets, as it can prove toxic.
Many ornamental household plants popular during the holidays are poisonous to dogs and cats, including poinsettias, mistletoe, Easter lilies, daffodils, and tulip bulbs, to name just a few. In fact, cats are extremely sensitive to Easter lilies; even ingesting a small piece of the blooming plant could cause renal failure in cats and kittens. Always keep these plants out of your pet's reach or away from your home entirely.
Decorations also prove tempting for pets to play with, but can also pose an intestinal hazard when ingested. Among the most dangerous and most likely to catch your pet's curious eye are tinsel, glass ornaments, light strings, Easter basket "grass", and small plastic toys. Make sure to keep all decorations, Easter baskets, Christmas stockings, etc. out of your pet's reach at all times.
Consider backyard Easter egg hunts very carefully, making note of where all boiled eggs are hidden and hiding only a few at a time. Many pets have become sick after stumbling across and consuming a rotten Easter egg, often forgotten from a previous hunt days or weeks before. If possible, use plastic eggs instead of real eggs, making sure your pet can't get inside and consume any of the contents.
Finally, if you are planning a big gathering of friends and family at your house, make sure to consider your pet's safety and comfort before the party begins. Many pets become extremely agitated or anxious around large gatherings of people and may react unexpectedly. In addition, with lots of company in your home, the odds are greater that your pet will accidentally become stepped on, tripped over, get into something he shouldn't or accidentally let out of the house. It is a good idea to lock your pet in a quiet room away from all the activity for the duration of the festivities. Your pet will be much happier and the potential for disaster will be greatly diminished.
The holidays are meant to be a fun and joyous time for your family. By considering your pet's safety and taking the proper precautions before the festivities begin, you can head off potential disasters, reducing the likelihood of spending your holiday making an emergency vet visit.
If you suspect your pet has consumed any of the above items, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Your vet can advise you on what to do or whether you will need to bring your pet in for further evaluation and/or treatment.. Adopted from http://www.petsmart.com/uc/
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