InFocus Magazine

The food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun for people can be dangerous for your pet.  To avoid dampening any holiday spirits, it helps to be aware of the dangers the holidays can bring for your cat or dog, and plan carefully to avoid these potential hazards. 

Food Related Items 

  Rich, fatty foods like gravy or grease can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting and dehydration. 

  Alcohol can cause serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to it. Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol consumption. Clean up glasses after holiday parties. Dogs are often attracted by the sweet taste of drinks, especially eggnog.

  Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthenes, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Chocolate, with theobromine, is especially a problem because dogs love its flavor. Problems from ingestion range from diarrhea to seizures and death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog’s reach.

  Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing tearing throughout the intestinal tract. 

  Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

  Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.

  Remember, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell – juices on plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, plastic or foil wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap) can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

  Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.

Poisonous Plants 

  If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats.  Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea.  Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. Place these plants well out of your pet’s reach.

Decorations & Wrapping

  Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine along the length of the string. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Ribbons around your pet’s neck may be cute, but they can also be dangerous.

  Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to animals.

  Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to dogs if eaten. We may not think of eating it, but some curious pets may.

  Candles can cause burns and fires. Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your pet.

Gifts Under the Tree 

  Make sure to remove ribbons or ties before you present gifts to your dog.  If played with and swallowed,  ribbon or string on gifts can cause intestinal obstruction, requiring surgery.

  Perfumes and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and essential oils that can be very toxic to dogs if ingested.

Christmas Trees 

  Place Christmas trees in a stable stand, and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fish line. To keep pets away from the tree, it may help to use a Scat Mat. While most dog owners use an exercise pen to provide a safe place for a pet to play, during the holidays, some people place the pen around the tree. Make sure your dog is supervised when in a room with a tree.

  Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and the wire of artificial trees could pose a problem. Be sure your pet is not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.

  Tinsel’s shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave it off the tree altogether.

  Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. 

  Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights, can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock to death by electrocution. Some larger lights can become quite hot, and could also cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.

  Dogs will often play with glass ornaments as if they were balls and serious oral lacerations can result. Sharp ornament hooks can also become imbedded in your pet’s mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that are shiny, or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom.

  Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as enticing to your dog as they are to children. Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.

  Because tree preservatives are often sugar-based (and inviting to dogs) and because the water stands so long, the water in the tree stand often harbors potentially harmful bacteria.  Fertilizers, insecticides or flame retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the water. Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent access to the water.