You want the holidays to be a happy time for yourself and your pet, and not a time for an emergency visit to your vet. The food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun for people can be dangerous for your pet.
We do not want to dampen your holiday spirits, but we do want you to be aware of the dangers and plan carefully to avoid these potential hazards.
Poisonous Plants
As we make our homes more festive for the holidays we enjoy the foliage and colorful flowers of festive plants. Unfortunately, many of these holiday plants can be poisonous to pets. If ingested, the holly plants or berries cause upset stomach and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe can upset your pets stomach and can even cause heart collapse. Poinsettias also can cause stomach upset, and hibiscus causes diarrhea. So when you brighten up your home, place these plants well out of your pets reach, or you may decide to use imitation holiday plants.
Holiday Foods
Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and excess 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. Rich, fatty foods, like gravy or grease, can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting, and dehydration. Dogs with this serious condition often require hospitalization for treatment.
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.
Uncooked meat, fish, and poultry can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, and parasites. These uncooked foods should not be given to your dog. For your own health, as well as your pet's, wash and disinfect utensils that have been in contact with raw meat, and cook meat thoroughly.
Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing tearing throughout the pets intestinal tract. No matter how big or how little bones are, be sure to keep bones (other than those that are specially sterilized and treated) away from your dog. Rawhides, chew toys like Kong toys, and hardened, sterilized bones would be better alternatives.
Tobacco products can be fatal to pets, if ingested. Signs of poisoning develop within 15 to 45 minutes and include excitation, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets may develop seizures, collapse and die from cardiac arrest. Keep cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, nicotine gum and patches, and ashtrays out of the reach of pets. Empty ashtrays frequently since cigarette butts contain about 25% of the total nicotine in a cigarette.
Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.
Uncooked yeast dough can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell and juices on plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, the plastic or foil can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.
Meat-soaked strings from rump roasts are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical emergency called a "linear string foreign body" in the intestines.
Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.
To be safe, put away food immediately, and pet-proof your garbage. Garbage contains all kinds of other hazards for your dog such as plastic wrap and bags, 6-pack beverage holders that could cause strangulation, fat trimmings, bones, and pieces of ribbon or tinsel.
Decorations and Wrappings
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 dog's neck may be cute, but they can also be dangerous. All that glitters is not gold - it could be dangerous for your pet.
Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to animals. Any presents under the tree with these should be put away if you will not be in direct supervision of your pet.
Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to curious dogs if eaten.
Candles can cause burns and fires. Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your active pet.
Dogs love a good game of tug. Your dog may decide to play this with the end of a tablecloth. Try to keep items such as tablecloths, table runners, etc. from hanging too low to the floor, and tempting happy dogs running by to grab an end and pull!
Gifts
Rawhide or other edible items can be very tempting, and remember that many gift givers often package rawhide or other pet gifts wrapped in ribbon. Make sure to remove ribbons or ties before you present gifts to your dog. If played with and swallowed, yarn, ribbon, or string on gifts can cause intestinal obstruction, requiring surgery. Perfumes and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and perfume also contains essential oils, which can be very toxic to dogs if ingested.
Batteries for toys or other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction. Keep in a safe place until they are ready to be inserted in the gift.
Christmas Trees
Place Christmas trees in a heavy, stable stand, and attach it securely to a window or wall if possible. There have been others who have hung their tree from the ceiling. Make sure your pet is always supervised when in a room with a tree. Live tree needles can be toxic and cause stomach irritation. Be sure your dog is not chewing on branches or eating any fallen needles.
Tinsel can be very attractive. If eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave it off the tree altogether if you can. Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. Try different decorating styles if possible. Chewing on electrical cords can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock or death by electrocution. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there, and use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.
Dogs and cats will often play with glass ornaments as if they were balls and serious oral lacerations can result. Sharp ornament hooks can get imbedded in your pet's mouth. Try to 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. Diabetic dogs that may run into problems with regulating the disease by stealing candy canes off of the tree. Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.
Live tree preservatives are often sugar-based and inviting to dogs. Use sparingly, or test to see if your pet is attracted to it, if so, you should consider not using it. Live tree water stands can be another potential area for problems because the water stands so long; it often harbors potentially harmful bacteria.
Visitors
Some pets love visitors and behave very well. Others may be fearful or aggressive. Some puppies may urinate uncontrollably when meeting people. Others may just be too full of holiday cheer and over-exuberant. Plan for how your dog will react to visitors. A quiet room, away from the commotion with water and food available will often help fearful dogs be more comfortable.
Brushing up on obedience training before the holidays may help a dog who has become a little rusty. Be sure to inform your visitors of any household "rules" or problem behaviors concerning your pets like sneaking out the door, jumping up on the couch, getting food from the table, etc. For dogs who may not behave or could be aggressive, placing them in a separate room, using pet gates or having them stay at a friend's house during a party, may be necessary. Sometimes, boarding a dog in a kennel may be the safest alternative.
Cleaning products such as disinfectants get a lot of use during the holidays as we spiff up our homes for visitors. Remember, many of these products can be toxic to your pets. When inviting visitors, make sure they know you have a pet. If these people have allergies, you could help them by using cleaning products designed to decrease the dander in the house.
If you are traveling during the holidays, and need to leave your pets at home, start to make accommodations for your pets early. Many boarding facilities fill up very fast. Responsible pet sitters are a good alternative. If they are unfamiliar with your house or pets have them come over and get acquainted before you leave.
Pets as Gifts
New pets may not be the best holiday gifts. Do not consider giving an animal as a gift unless you are sure the person wants one. It may be better to give a gift certificate so the person can choose his or her own pet after the holidays. Similarly, if thinking about getting a new pet for yourself, remember pets need routine and a time to bond with you. With its noise, commotion, and special hazards, the holiday season is anything but routine. Think about getting your new dog after the holidays. You're guaranteed not have any post holiday blues!
Pet Gifts and Treats
When choosing a holiday gift for your special friend, be sure it is safe - no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy holiday treats for your dog and give them in moderation.
We all like to give during the Holidays, but often times, pets in need are forgotten about. Why not make the holidays more enjoyable for homeless pets? Contact your local animal shelter to see if you can donate food, kitty litter, toys, or your time. Please see the Organizations we Support page to find a listing of organizations who could really use your help any time of the year, but especially the holidays.Pet Gifts and TreatsWhen choosing a holiday gift for your special friend, be sure it is safe - no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy holiday treats for your dog and give them in moderation.
With all of the festivities, do not forget to relax and spend some quality time with your pet.
Your pet will think that is the best gift of all.
Holiday Safety for Pets
These tips mainly apply to the Christmas Holiday season,
but can be applied to any holiday or festival your family celebrates.
Obedience
House
Breaking
Neat Dog
Facts
