Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Winter Holiday Season

One of the best thing about the holidays is getting to be with friends and family. This is also a very exciting time for your pets. They love to see old friends, and meet new ones. If you are my dog, he is happy that this also means new people that might give him treats!  In order to keep our furry buddies safe for the season, we need to keep an eye out for things that are not usually present, but that are potentially dangerous, such as some people food, plants, and objects that are unfamiliar and yet really interesting.

Foods to Avoid
No matter how much his big eyes are pleading, please don't share these with your pet:

• Chocolate (bakers, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Fatty foods
• Onions, onion powder, garlic
• Uncooked yest dough
• Coffee (grounds, beans, or especially chocolate covered espresso beans)
• Moldy or spoiled foods

Decorative Plants
The holiday season brings many new plants into the house that your pets are not used to.  Keep a watchful eye to make sure they are not taste-testing:

• Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats.
• Poinsettias can cause mouth and stomach irritation along with vomiting or nausea
• Mistletoe usually just causes gastrointestinal irritation, but can cause cardiovascular issues.
• Holly can bring nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy 

Other Holiday Decorations
So many bright and shiny objects around for pets to be intrigued by!  Unfortunately, our pets tend to do their exploring with their mouths, which can lead to many unhappy incidents. Here are a few things to focus on:

• Christmas tree water may contain harmful bacteria or even fertilizers which will cause upset stomachs
• Electric cords will give a serious jolt if chewed on
• Glass ornaments can cut mouths and paws and can really tear up intestinal tracts
• Ribbons or tinsel can be choked on or cause foreign body obstructions
• Potpourri, scented oils and other scented decorations can cause irritations for the mouth, nose and eyes.
  
• Batteries contain harmful corrosives that can cause ulceration to the mouth, stomach and intestines

Other Winter Hazards:
These are some common things that we have around our homes during the winter months, but may not be limited to the holiday season.

• Medications. 'Tis the cold and flu season, and with that comes more medications on counters and in cabinets. With additional guest, the number of medications will potentially rise as well.  
• DO NOT give your pet human medications without direction from a veterinarian.  Many human medications can be deadly when administered to animals.  Admittedly, many veterinarian offices have limited hours over the holidays, but there are emergency clinics that are open 24/7.
• Antifreeze can be lethal, even in very small doses.  Store antifreeze and other products such as gas and oil,  in containers that close tightly and are kept in something your pet does not have access to.  Clean up any spills quickly, and thoroughly.  You can use Propylene glycol, such as Lot Tox brand antifreeze, as an alternative to regular antifreeze.  If you believe that your pet has gotten into antifreeze, immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ani-help) or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661).

• Ice melting products can cause mouth and skin irritation. You may be able to tell if your pet has ingested these products if your pet has excessive drooling, vomiting, depression and electrolyte imbalances.
• Rat and mouse killers are potentially needed more in the winter months and should be put in places your pets can't access.

Stay Alert!
With all the distractions of having guests, or being one, please make sure that your pet is supervised as much as possible. There are many new things to smell, taste and sneak while the holidays are happening. Despite your best efforts to protect them, sometimes they still get into things that are harmful. Keep phone numbers for your veterinarian, the local emergency veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ani-help), and the Pet Poison Hotline (1-855-764-7661) in an easily found place.  Pets with HomeAgain microchips' annual subscription will have their $65 fee waived.  There is a $35 fee for Pet Poison Helpline.


Seek medical attention right away if you think your pet has ingested something poisonous.


References:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is a division of The American Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals. It has veterinarians that can answer questions about toxins 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.