Holiday Hazards

As the holidays are fast approaching, we want to help educate everyone on the possible holiday dangers for your pets. Quite often we get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and forget that our pets don’t know what is and isn’t good for them. Here is a list of a few common dangers that could be in your home:

 Chocolate – chocolate comes in many forms over the holidays and it’s very important you don’t leave it lying around for your pet to find. Many think this is a common concern for dogs, true, however its also important to note that cats can be affected negatively by the ingestion of chocolate. The fact of the matter is that most cats just don’t have an interest in it. Take that with a grain of salt my friends, cats can be very unpredictable and we want to keep them safe as well.

 Grapes (and raisins) – These are another hazard that tend to pop up more during the holiday season, with all the baking that goes on over the holidays its probably best to keep your pet out of the kitchen.  Grapes and raisins are actually poisonous to your pet so keep all those goodies (whether they be baked or not) out of reach!

 Medications – although your house may be pet proofed of these long before the holiday season even begins, you do have to keep in mind all those visitors you’ll be having over for the holidays. Travelling guests often come prepared and for that we need to be extra careful that bags and suitcases are not left where our pets can get into them.

 Tinsel – if your cat is anything like mine, they will try to grab everything that isn’t the safe, cat proof toy you bought for them this holiday season. Add something shiny on top of that and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Tinsel is actually very thin and sharp, and can cause a lot of damage to the intestinal tract once ingested.

 Xylitol – this sugar substitute is found in many recipes and even everyday items such as sugar free gum. Don’t let the sweet holiday fun be cut short by accidental ingestion from your pet. This toxic ingredient can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures and in severe cases, even liver failure.

 Plants – Now this list can go on for a while but some of the most common holiday plants that your pet should be avoiding are mistletoe, holly and poinsettias. These plants can lead to symptoms varying from mild indigestion to severe gastrointestinal disorders, difficulty breathing or even heart failure in those more extreme cases. For a more extensive list of holiday plant dangers, please visit petmd.com

 Holiday Ornaments – not poisonous, but still a danger. Decorations can often be quite sharp if broken and if your pet does decide they make a good chew toy, it can lead to lacerations of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract if ingested. Now we aren’t saying don’t decorate that beautiful Christmas tree with all those wonderful decorations, just keep an eye on your pet and train them right from wrong before it’s too late.

 Electrical Cords – lights, lights, and more lights! Not only are the electrical cords a hazard, but the outlets themselves too! If possible, keep cords and exposed outlets out of reach from your pets this holiday season. We want to avoid burns, shock and those terrifying trips to the emergency room for our furry friends!

 The dangers and hazards seem endless this holiday season however being prepared is the number one way to avoid trouble during the holidays.

From the Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital Family to yours we wish you all the happiest and safest of holidays. See you in the New Year! 

Written by:

Rachel, Veterinary Technician


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