Holiday Dangers for Our Pets

We are approaching some of the most popular holidays of the year, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, which are full of fun decorations and yummy holiday treats.  Celebrate the holidays safely by avoiding this list of poisonous or hazardous materials found around your house this holiday season.

Halloween:

• Chocolate- Chocolate ingestion is one of the most common problems during Halloween.  Chocolate contains methylxanthines which is similar to caffeine.  This product elevates heart rates, causes agitation, vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases seizures or death.  Baker's chocolate contains far higher doses of methylxanthine than semisweet or milk chocolate.
• Grapes/raisins- Small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.  Unfortunately the toxic dose is still unknown, but it is best to be avoided at all costs.  Vomiting, nausea, increased water consumption, lethargy and decreased appetite are potential signs of exposure.  
• Candy Wrappers- Ingestion of candy wrappers that are made of foil, plastic or cellophane create a risk of intestinal obstruction.  Wrappers can create signs such as vomiting, straining to defecate, inability to defecate and lethargy.   
• Glow Sticks- Glow sticks are generally considered non-toxic, however they can create pain and irritation of the mouth.  Some animals will drool profusely or foam at the mouth due to the bitter taste associated with the liquid. 
• Costumes- Pets dressed in costume can be a danger to themselves or others.  If their field of view becomes obstructed, many pets become scared and try to run away.  This puts the pet at risk of becoming lost or injured by a vehicle.  
  
  

Thanksgiving:

• Ham and Turkey Bones- Bones not only pose an intestinal obstruction risk for our pets, but are also richer than what pets typically eat.  These items create a huge risk for pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea.  
• Liquid potpourri- Liquid potpourri can create severe chemical burns to the inside of the mouth and stomach and even the lungs when aspirated.
• Alcohol- Alcohol is rapidly absorbed through the mucus membranes of the mouth, esophagus and intestinal tract.  Keep in mind, foods containing alcohol can also be problematic during this season.  Ingestion can rapidly drop blood sugar, blood pressure as well as body temperature.  At higher doses, seizures and respiratory failure may also occur.  
• Candles- Pets are at risk for burns from not only the fire, but also hot wax.  Keep all candles away from pets. 

Christmas:

• Tinsel- While bright and shiny on the Christmas tree, tinsel may look like the next best toy to your cat or dog.  This can be deadly if ingested as it bunches up and creates a foreign body reaction in the intestinal tract.  It can create intestinal rupture if not caught rapidly.  
• Plants- Poinsetta/Holly/Mistletoe- Plant ingestion can cause problems ranging from mouth irritation and vomiting to seizures and possibly death.  If your pet eats plants, please contact us with questions on the specific variety ingested.
• Foods- Grapes/Raisins/Currants/Chocolates/bones- see above
• Xylitol- Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic to dogs even in small quantities. It causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure.
• Snow Globes- Snow globes often contain antifreeze to keep the globe from rupturing.  As little as a teaspoon of antifreeze ingestion can cause kidney failure in both dogs and cats.  Please contact us right away if this liquid is ingested to start decontamination protocols.
• Decorative Lights- Cats and dogs are often drawn to the starry lights on the Christmas tree.  Many will attempt to chew them as they twinkle.  This dangerous act can lead to severe burns within the mouth or even electrocution of the pet. 
  
  

You and your pet can still enjoy the holidays, just make sure to keep potentially dangerous items out of reach from your pet.  As always, if you are concerned your pet may have consumed a potentially hazardous item or is showing any of the warning signs above, make sure to contact your veterinarian.  Enjoy your holidays!