The holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and joy for everyone, people and pets alike. But these common holiday hazards can turn your celebration into a nightmare. Read on to find out how to keep your four-legged friends safe this holiday season!
Chocolate
No matter how tasty chocolate is to us, it’s unfortunately toxic to our pets. A compound called theobromine in the chocolate can cause symptoms such as an elevated and abnormal heart rate, tremors, and even death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. If your pup consumes any of the sweet treat, contact a veterinarian so that they can determine whether medical treatment is necessary.
Raisins and Grapes
While fruit seems like a healthy choice, you might be surprised to learn that grapes and raisins are actually toxic to dogs. And eating as few as one grape or raisin can be problematic! Grape or raisin ingestion is a serious emergency. Dogs need to be presented to a veterinarian as quickly as possible so that vomiting can be induced and IV fluids started in order to help prevent kidney failure.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a popular holiday treat for people, but you should make sure to keep them out of your pup’s reach. Eating macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness of the hindlegs. If you pet eats macadamia nuts, contact your veterinarian for further directions.
Onions and Garlic
A common flavoring in many tasty holiday dishes, onions and garlic can cause damage to the red blood cells of both cats and dogs. Small pets are an increased risk and even a tiny amount can cause issues. Symptoms of onion and garlic toxicity include weakness and pale gums. Contact your veterinarian for guidance if your pet ingests onions, garlic, or dishes containing these ingredients.
Raw Bread Dough
Nothing is more comforting that the smell of fresh baked bread in the oven. While the final product is safe for dogs to consume in small amounts (assuming it doesn’t contain any other toxic ingredients), the raw dough is not. Even after being eaten, the yeast continue to reproduce making alcohol as a byproduct…and the dough increases in size causing distension of the stomach. If your pet consumes raw bread dough containing yeast, contact your veterinarian to find out what you should do.
Alcohol
Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to the effects of alcohol and even a small amount can be toxic. Affected animals can have vomiting, disorientation, difficultly walking, and even seizures. Make sure to keep all drinks up out of the reach of pets and clean up any spills immediately. If your pet drinks alcohol, contact your veterinarian.
Bones
Feeding bone scraps is never a good idea. They run a high risk of splintering and puncturing through the stomach or intestines. Even if they don’t break into sharp pieces, they can irritate the inside of the guts causing diarrhea or even bind together like concrete and cause constipation.
Table Scraps
Table scraps in general, even if not toxic, can be a problem. Many of these are rich in fat and protein, which can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis (which often needs hospitalization). There are safer ways to involve your pet in the celebration. Consider getting a special canned pet food, purchasing your pet’s favorite treat, or, if you must feed ‘people food,’ offer a tiny taste of something bland such as plain green beans, plain carrots, or a slice of apple.
Sugar-free Treats
Xylitol is a common sugar substitute added to ‘sugar-free’ candies and desserts. While it is a healthy alternative for people…unfortunately, it is highly toxic to dogs. Eating items containing xylitol can cause a severe drop in blood sugar and even liver damage. If your pet consumes any product containing xylitol, contact a veterinarian immediately…even a short delay can be life threatening.
Candles
Open flames pose a risk for burns or starting fires, especially with pets around. Playing dogs can easily knock over candles…spilling hot wax and potentially setting fire to surrounding objects. Cats can singe whiskers or their tail while investigating lit candles or passing through areas where candles are burning.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a great way to preserve memories such as children’s handprints or pet pawprints. However, their high salt content makes them a risk for salt toxicity if consumed. If your pet chews on or eats part of a salt dough ornament, contact your veterinarian.
Tinsel
Shiny tinsel is a tempting toy for pets. But, if accidently ingested, it can cause life threatening linear foreign bodies that require surgery to remove.
Electric Cords
The iconic (and tragic) cat vs. Christmas lights scene from Christmas Vacation isn’t a joke. Dogs and cats have a tendency to explore things with their mouths…and with the increased number of extension cords, Christmas lights, etc. powering the decorations in the house during the holidays, the risk for electrocution is high if animals chew on these cords. Signs of electrocution include drooling, pawing at the face, abnormal behavior, and burns in the mouth. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Being Underfoot
Small dogs and cats can easily get lost in the extra commotion that the holidays bring. Risks of being stepped on or tripped over greatly increase when there are extra people in the house. Consider separating your small dog or cat off into a safe space if you have a crowd over to celebrate.
