Holiday Hazards
‘Tis the season to deck the halls- but be sure to keep your 4-pawed friends in mind when preparing for holiday festivities! Decorations such as lights, garland, and ornaments can pose a risk for choking, intestinal obstruction or electrocution. Plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are extremely toxic and dangerous if ingested. Some foods like chocolate or nuts can be toxic, whereas fatty foods like ham, turkey or others can cause pancreatitis or general stomach upset. Never give your pet alcoholic beverages. It’s tempting to treat your pet with table scraps or a new holiday treat, remember that it’s best to stick with their normal food and treats. Also, while candles help to create a festive mood, be sure to supervise them so your pets don’t burn their tails, noses or paws.
Antifreeze Poisoning
As winter takes hold, yet another seasonal household pet hazard is more readily available- antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is one of the most deadly toxins. Only a small amount (2 ml for a cat or 5 ml for a medium-sized dog) of swallowed antifreeze can cause acute kidney failure, which can quickly lead to death. Animals may be attracted to ethylene glycol because of its smell or taste, or perhaps it appears to be a water source for thirsty pets in an otherwise frozen environment. Antifreeze can leak from a container spill, and engine flush or engine leak. So keep your dogs leashed and your cats indoors to prevent an avoidable tragedy.
Signs of antifreeze poisoning include increased urination, discolored (bright green) urine, vomiting (possibly bright green color), possible staggering or incoordination, low body temperature, inappetance, and severe depression. If you suspect your pet may have swallowed some antifreeze, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. There is a very limited amount of time that treatment can be effective
Sidewalk salt can affect your pet!
Beware of sidewalk salt when walking your dog or other pet in snowy weather. The chemicals in salt can cause irritation and possibly infections of the paws. You can reduce the damage by washing your dog’s feet with a moist towel when you return from a walk. Keep an eye out for excessive licking, redness or rawness of the paws because this could be a sign that the salt has damaged your dog’s feet. With a little extra care to wipe down those feet, you can prevent an infection that could require medicine or other treatment.
Holiday gift guide
Many people want to treat their dogs and cats to get them in the holiday spirit, and we have a list of recommended toys and treats that are sure to put a spring in your pet’s step!
DO Give: Kong Toys of any variety, Nylabones (especially the edible, digestible Nylabones), Gumabones (especially for teething puppies), Rope Bones, “Indestructable” rubber balls or rings, Greenies, Tennis ball toys, seasonal collars, leashes, sweaters, beds.
For cats: Cat Dancers, mylar balls, glitter balls, catnip toys, scratching posts, cat trees most available cat toys are OK.
AVOID Giving: Rawhides, pig ears, snouts, hooves, bully sticks, stuffed animals with small plastic eyes or other decorations that could cause choking or intestinal obstruction, Vinyl or plastic toys that can be easily chewed up and swallowed, steak bones, and table scraps.
Cats: Toys with strings, yarn or feathers (these toys are great activity boosters but only if used under supervision to prevent accidental ingestion).
By Dr. Hilary Toft