Protect Your Pets during the Holidays

The holiday season brings excitement and commotion associated with shopping, final exams, travel,and other seasonal preparations. In all the activities of the season our beloved pets may be exposed to hazards less commonly found other times of the year. As homes fill with holiday spirit, pets may be intrigued by the new sites, smells and tastes.

The following are some common health concerns for your pet during the holidays from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, Pawprints and Purrs, the American Kennel Club, and the University of Pennsylvannia. If you have specific questions regarding any pet health concern please contact your veterinarian.

* Tinsel, Ribbon and other Pretty Things – Ribbons, wrapping paper, ornaments, tinsel, extension cords and gifts may be appealing “chew toys” that may make your pet sick. There is something about those shiny strands of Christmas tree dcor, which drives kitties wild.

* Holiday Lights - Decorative lights are another attraction for pets to chew on. Electrical shock may occur from defective cords as well as from pets chewing on cords.

* Water - Even though they have their own water bowel, there is something enticing about a novel source of water; whether it’s the toilet bowl or the Christmas tree stand. If you add chemicals to the water meant to keep your tree fresh longer, be sure to read the label to make sure it is safe for pets.

* Overindulgence – Well-intentioned family and friends may share holiday foods causing the pet to develop a stomach upset or worse, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which can be caused by eating fatty foods.

* Chocolate - Chocolate can be toxic or even fatal to dogs and cats. Chocolate may be mistakenly given to pets as treats and may be irresistible to the curious canine.

* Poinsettias  and Mistletoe - Poinsettias have received bad publicity in the past whereas ,in fact, poinsettias are not very toxic to pets. They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth but if signs develop they are usually mild. However, mistletoe can be very toxic to animals and you should seek veterinary consultation immediately if your pet has potentially ingested any part of the plant. Here’s some additional information from the ASPCA web site on poison control.

And a note about giving Pets as Gifts: A cute, cuddly puppy or kitten may seem to be the perfect gift but, unfortunately, after the holiday season the population of animal shelters explodes with these “surprise gifts.” Owning a pet is a long-term commitment. All experts advise prospective pet owners to carefully consider such a commitment - especially at the holidays.

Now, let’s have some fun: If you send a photo of your pet at the holidays, we’ll consider posting it on Tree Talk in a special holiday photo gallery! Send your low-res 72 dpi photo (only one selection, please!) to membersmail@mortonarb.org and make sure to include the words Tree Talk in your subject line.

Here’s something else that is fun to watch!

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