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Now that the holidays and winter months are here again, the following advice is worth repeating. In the same way you'd keep your house child-proof by putting potentially harmful substances out of reach, you need to keep your house "pet-proof" as well, especially during the holidays and winter months. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the holiday season. FOOD ITEMS: These items however delicious to us, can be harmful to your pet if ingested: Alcoholic beverages Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate) Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans) Moldy or spoiled foods Onions, onion powder Salt Yeast dough PLANTS: Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat, such as: Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca. These can cause kidney failure in cats. Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity, but if ingested, can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea. Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems, but usually only causes gastrointestinal upset. Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy. HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE: Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria, that an also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Electric cords - Avoid pet exposure to electric cords. If they were chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Cover up or hide electric cords, and never let your pet chew on them. Ribbons or tinsel - Once ingested these can get caught in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction. Batteries - contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. Glass ornaments - can cut the tissues of the gastro-intestinal tract if ingested. MEDICATIONS: Prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs must be kept out of the reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Remind holiday guests to store their medications safely as well. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. Less than one regular strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) (Motrin, Advil) or less than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg)(Tylenol) can be fatal to a 7 pound cat. **NOTE that during the holidays, many vet clinics have limited office hours. Sometimes pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian's advice. Never give your pet any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Many that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. OTHER WINTER HAZARDS: Anti-freeze - in small amounts is very dangerous. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a pet. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets. If you think your pet has consumed anti-freeze, contact your vet immediately! Liquid potpourris - are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Cats are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers on themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of cats to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe mouth, skin, and eye damage. Ice melting products - can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances. ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!! Your pet may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. Keep the telephone numbers for your own vet, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately. |
