The holiday season is a time of celebration, appreciation, and enjoyment for our families and our pets. Unfortunately there are many holiday traditions and treats that can be potentially life threatening to your pets.
Ribbons, tinsel, and bows are nice decorations and fun for our pets. However, if ingested, these decorations may become lodged in various parts of the intestinal tract and require surgical removal.
Chocolate becomes especially common around the holiday season. Unfortunately, even small quantities of chocolate can be fatal to your pets. This holiday delight can cause abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, coma, and even death in dogs and cats.
Be aware that mistletoe, poinsettia, and other popular holiday plants are dangerous to pets. For reasons not entirely understood, many dogs and cats are compelled to eat these plants and can become very sick, resulting in vomiting or even kidney and liver failure.
Lastly, don't forget about those decorative lights! Young animals are especially vulnerable to injury from chewing or biting holiday lights and electrical cords. A little foresight can prevent unfortunate electrocution incidents that result in minor burns, serious injury to the mouth and lungs or worse.
So enjoy the holiday season and be safe.
View this article in a .pdfJarrod R. Moss, D.V.M.
Author and Clinical Veterinarian
