Holiday Safety Tips

v     Ice melts and salts, if ingested, can result in significant gastrointestinal inflammation.  These products can get on your pet’s paws and they may ingest it when they lick or clean their paws.  One way to prevent ingestion of salts and ice melts is to wash your pet’s feet before coming indoors.

v     Antifreeze poisoning is common in the winter.  Even a small amount of antifreeze is extremely toxic.  It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it can cause permanent kidney damage or death. Don’t let animals drink from puddles, and make sure to clean their paws when they come in from outside.

v     Prolonged exposure to the cold weather, especially with a high wind chill factor, can lower the body temperature.  This is called hypothermia, a condition that can interfere with normal bodily functions and can result in injury or death.  Pets can also suffer from frostbite.

v     Secure your tree.  Many trees have been sent swaying by a rambunctious pet.  Pets can be injured if the tree or ornaments fall and break 

v     Hide the cords.  Electrical cords are a grave danger to pets.  Cords can cause electrocution, serious injury, even death.  Secure the cords higher than your pet can reach them or hide them under special covers.

v     Choose safe ornaments.  There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested.  Pet “safer” bulbs would be plastic or wood.  Put glass bulbs on higher limbs; do not use edible ornaments or fragile, easily breakable decorations.

v     Tinsel and garland can be eaten and caught in intestines.  Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel and should be avoided in households with cats.  Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstructions that may lead to emergency surgery.

v     Sweep and water.  Sweep up pine needles.  Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation.  Do not use preservatives in the stand water.  They can be toxic if consumed by a thirsty pet.

v     Certain plants are a menace to dogs and cats: Poinsettias irritate the stomach and eyes.  Berries of the Jerusalem cherry, holly berries, mistletoe, amaryllis, chrysanthemum, rhododendron and winter broom are all toxic.

v     Alcohol and chocolate are toxic.  Keep drinks and sweets out of a pet’s reach. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures.

v     Turkey bones left in an accessible place are almost irresistible to pets, but they can lodge in animal’s throat or block the intestinal tract.  Remove leftovers from the table and do not leave the garbage where your pet can get to it.

Remember if your pet has any problems this holiday season or you have any questions about pet safety give us a call.