A Little Caution Can Protect Family Pets from Holiday Hazards
10/9/2005

As joyful as the holiday season is for most families, it is also the most dangerous time of year for family pets. Festive decorations and holiday foods can put your pet at risk, unless you take precautions to prevent holiday hazards.

Dangerous decorations

The Christmas tree presents a range of hazards to your cat or dog:

Be sure it is well secured so that it won't come toppling down if your pet jumps into or onto it.
Don't hang glass balls in reach of your pet.
Use garland, rather than tinsel, which can cause intestinal obstructions if ingested.
Keep electrical cords and tree lights out of reach.
Cover your tree stand so your pet can't drink stagnant tree water.
Seasonal plants that are used as holiday decorations are also a frequent source of problems. Plants to avoid include:

Holly berries, which are extremely toxic when ingested. Just a few berries will cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Mistletoe also causes digestive system upset as well as irregular heartbeats and possibly cardiac shock.
Plants like the hibiscus and those in the lily family, which are not toxic to people, can cause digestive system problems and even renal failure in pets.
The poinsettia, while not highly toxic, can cause digestive upset and irritation to a pet's mouth and stomach.
If you must have these plants in your holiday decor, choose artificial ones to protect your pets. And don't forget to check gift floral arrangements for sprays of dangerous plants.

Food follies

Ingesting holiday foods is one of the biggest reason for visits to the emergency vet clinic during the holiday season. Warn family members and guests not to feed the following holiday foods to your pets:

Rich, fatty foods can cause stomach upset, or even predispose pets to life-threatening pancreatitis or bloat.
Poultry bones can splinter and get stuck in a pet's mouth, obstruct his throat, or perforate his intestines.
Chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, coffee and alcoholic beverages can be fatal if ingested in quantity.
Keep a supply of your pets' favorite treats handy to offer when family and friends are enjoying all those delicious smelling holiday goodies.

Other hazards
The list of holiday hazards is long, but includes:

Children's toys - which can present a poisoning or choking hazard. Be sure small toy pieces, plastic model cement, crayons and paints are put away or out of reach when not in use.
Wrapping paper, ribbon, and tape - dispose of them as soon as possible.
Lighted candles - be sure they are securely anchored so they won't be dislodged by the swat of a paw or tail.
Liquid potpourris, fireplace salts, Styrofoam, and angel hair can be toxic if ingested, cause skin or eye irritation, or cause intestinal obstructions.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

Finally, remember that with holiday guests coming and going, the front door will be open more than usual. Be sure your pets are wearing collars with identification tags in case of an escape.