10 Holiday Dangers Your Pet Faces

Despite our best merry-making intentions, the holidays can be stressful for the whole family, pets included.

“The holidays are a dangerous time for pets,” says Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, who specializes in oncology and small animal internal medicine.

Top 10 after the jump…

So what can you do to ensure this really is the most wonderful time of the year for your cat or dog? We spoke with Dr. Hohenhaus to find out about the most common reasons pet owners visit her emergency clinic during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Top Holiday Dangers

1. Trash. Sure, you probably know whether your cat or dog is a garbage forager by now, and are normally very vigilant about keeping it out of your pet’s reach, but during this busy time of year when unaware company can throw off family routines, a “pet is more likely to get in the trash,” says Dr. Hohenhaus. There they’ll find foods and other objects they shouldn’t — but will want to — eat.

2. Unusual foods. Overindulging your pet with fatty treats, like gravy or too much turkey or ham, can cause upset stomach and even pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Onions, garlic and scallions can damage dogs’ red blood cells. Symptoms you can expect include lethargy and red discoloration in the dog’s urine. And as you probably know, chocolates are a no-no.

3. Decorations. The worst combinations are cats and tinsel, and cats and wrapping-paper ribbon, says Dr. Hohenhaus. Curious cats are likely to swallow these enticements, “which causes their intestines to bunch up, and cuts into intestinal wall, so cats can’t pass food through the intestinal wall normally,” says Dr. Hohenhaus. “It requires surgery to cut these out surgically.” “Don’t have icicle tinsel on tree at all,” she cautions.

Holiday lights are also risky temptation to pets, according to the Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine website, which recommends humans, “check cords for any signs of bite marks, loose or frayed wires, proximity to the tree’s water supply, or evidence of short circuits.” Electrical shock that could result can cause burns, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, loss of consciousness, and death, the website warns.

4. Alcohol. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but not that jolly! Letting your pet have sips of your drink intentionally, or leaving cups of holiday cheer where dogs (they’re more tempted by food and drink than cats) can reach them, is a “disaster because pets are not accustomed to drinking alcohol,” according to Dr. Hohenhaus. An owner who is careless with alcohol may find their dog “in a coma from alcohol intoxication.”

5. Plants. “Poinsettias are probably overrated as being toxic to pets, but it’s still worth being careful about,” says Dr. Hohenhaus. “Mistletoe has some toxins, but it’s normally hung up high, so it’s not as big an issue.” The lesser-known risky seasonal plants include amaryllis lilies, red azaleas and paper whites. While cats are less likely to be “chowhounds,” they’ll “mow down a plant in a second,” cautions Dr. Hohenhaus. The ASPCA has a searchable database of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to pets.

6. Presents. If you have packages filled with treats that tempt your dog’s olfactory senses, don’t leave them out while your dog is alone at home. Not only could the food items be likely to affect your dogs, the packaging could be a cause of upset too. Surgery may even be required to remove the materials from your dog’s body, Dr. Hohenhaus warns.

7. Christmas tree water. If you treat your tree’s water bowl with chemicals meant to extend freshness, be sure to read the label to make sure it is safe for pets who might want to drink it, cautions Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s website. Potpourri is another seasonal staple to keep hidden from pets.

8. Snow globes. Pleasing to look at, easy to break. If ingested, the liquid inside could pose a risk to cats and dogs, according to Pet Poison Helpline’s website. Imported globes, found to contain antifreeze, may be even riskier. “As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze when ingested by a cat or a tablespoon or two for a dog (depending on their size), can be fatal,” adds Pet Poison Helpline’s website.

9. Unattended medication. Even the most attentive pet parents are likely to get distracted during this time of year, and Dr. Hohenhaus says the riskiest result of this carelessness is “pets eating the owner’s medication” that didn’t get picked up or put away as neatly or quickly as it might have otherwise. The ASPCA has a list of human medications that are most toxic to pets. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Midol), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and various antidepressants.

10. Being given as a present. “This is really is not a good idea because if people are not expecting a pet they’re not prepared,” says Dr. Hohenhaus. “Everything is crazy at this time of year.” The new owners are not likely to be able to pay their full attention to a new arrival, she adds. Last year, Paw Nation reported on the tragic trend of gifted puppies and kittens winding up in animal shelters after the holidays are over.

by Mary Kearl