Don’t land in the emergency room during the festive season
Holiday preparations can unintentionally introduce hidden dangers to pets. Seemingly harmless items like candles, decorations, certain foods, and household products can pose serious risks. Beyond common hazards like chocolate, Xylitol, and alcohol, watch out for less obvious threats to ensure a safe and joyful season for your furry friends.
Wrapping Paper, Ribbons, Tinsel & Tapes
Choking Hazards: Pets may chew or swallow bits of paper, ribbon, or tape, which can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
Toxic Ink: Some wrapping papers may have inks or dyes that are toxic to pets if ingested.
String & Ribbons: These can lead to serious injuries or blockages if swallowed. They can create a linear foreign body, damaging large sections of bowel.
Packing Peanuts
These lightweight fillers are often used in gift packaging but can be toxic if ingested by pets. Some packing peanuts are made of polystyrene, which can be harmful if swallowed.
Christmas Trees and Pine Needles
Toxic Pine Needles: Some evergreen plants, such as pine, spruce, and fir, can cause nausea, vomiting, or even liver damage if ingested.
Water from Tree Stands: The water used to keep live trees hydrated may contain chemicals that can harm pets if consumed.
Ornaments and Tinsel: Small ornaments and tinsel can be enticing for pets to play with, but they can pose choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
Artificial Snow and Snow Globes: Some artificial snow products contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. Snow globes may contain toxic liquids or small parts that could be dangerous to pets if broken or chewed on.
Electrical cords: Pets chewing on cords can suffer severe burns on the tongue and cheeks.
Trees falling over: Gate off the tree to prevent cats climbing the tree or dogs pulling the tree over.
Holiday Plants
Poinsettias: These festive plants are mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing irritation to the mouth and stomach upset.
Mistletoe: Ingesting mistletoe can lead to gastrointestinal upset and even heart problems.
Holly: While not as toxic as some plants, holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea if consumed.
Amaryllis: This beautiful flower, often gifted around the holidays, is toxic to pets and can cause drooling, nausea, and vomiting.
Dangerous Toys & Gifts
Small Toys or Toys with Small Parts
Choking Hazards: Small toys or toys that contain small parts (buttons, eyes, etc.) can be easily chewed off and swallowed, posing a choking risk. Always ensure toys are the right size for your pet, especially for dogs or cats that tend to chew.
Squeaky Toys: While fun, squeaky toys can be torn apart and the squeaker inside can pose a choking hazard if ingested. Choose durable toys designed to withstand heavy chewing.
Stuffed Toys with Beads: Some plush toys may contain beads or pellets inside. If the toy is torn open, these small parts can be dangerous if swallowed.
Toys with Toxic Materials or Fillings
Some toys, especially cheaper or imported ones, may be made with toxic materials like lead or PVC. Always check that toys are pet-safe, especially for pets that tend to chew on everything.Balloons
Latex or foil balloons can be a choking hazard if popped and eaten. Balloons also pose a risk if a pet tries to bite into them and accidentally swallows pieces.Rubber Bands, Hair Ties, and String
Pets are attracted to rubber bands and hair ties. When ingested, they can lead to serious internal injuries or blockages. Similarly, string, yarn, or floss can get tangled in their intestines, requiring surgical removal.Ribbons and Bows
These are often used as decorations on gifts, but they can be easily ingested by pets, leading to choking or serious digestive issues. The string-like texture can also get tangled around your pet’s mouth, throat, or intestines.
Socks: Though ingesting socks are not a holiday issue, the chaos of the season could lead to the family being careless, not picking up clothing items and the pet ingesting it. This usually results in a surgical intervention.
Other Potential Dangers to Keep in Mind
Human Medicines: Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements can be extremely toxic to pets, even in small doses. Always keep them out of reach and never administer human medications to pets without consulting your vet.
Eggnog: Eggnog can be harmful to pets due to its alcohol content, nutmeg’s toxic myristicin, raw eggs’ risk of bacterial infections, and its high sugar and dairy levels, which can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Batteries: Batteries can be dangerous for pets as they contain toxic chemicals that can cause poisoning or burns if chewed, pose choking hazards if swallowed, and may lead to electrical burns in the mouth or stomach.
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it is highly toxic, even in small amounts. It can cause kidney failure and death.
Rodenticides (Rat Poison): Many rodenticides contain anticoagulants that prevent blood from clotting, leading to internal bleeding in pets who ingest them. It can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Mothballs and Air Fresheners: Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled. Similarly, certain air fresheners can release harmful chemicals that can irritate your pet’s respiratory system.
Fabric Softener Sheets: Pets may be attracted to the scent of fabric softener sheets, but ingesting them can lead to gastrointestinal upset, or in severe cases, liver failure.
Household Cleaners: Harsh chemicals in cleaners (bleach, ammonia, oven cleaners) can burn your pet’s skin, eyes, or respiratory tract. Ingesting them can cause poisoning, burns, or even death.
Holiday Candles: Candles are a fire hazard, especially when left unattended. Pets can knock them over, causing burns or even starting a fire.
Fireplace and Space Heaters: Pets may try to get too close to fireplaces or space heaters, which can lead to burns or even fire hazards if knocked over.
Nail Polish and Remover: Both nail polish and remover can contain toxic ingredients like acetone, which can cause poisoning if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Hairspray and Other Aerosol Products: The chemicals in aerosols can cause respiratory irritation or poisoning if inhaled by pets, particularly if they are sprayed in a small, closed area.
Recreational drugs: No judgement, just make sure the 4 leggeds do not have access to the stash.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Festive Season:
🛠️ Secure Potential Hazards: Keep items like water beads, gift-wrap materials, toxic plants, and human food out of reach.
🌱 Opt for Pet-Safe Alternatives: Choose decorations, plants, and toys that are safe for pets.
🛋️ Provide Safe Distractions: Offer engaging toys or chews to keep pets occupied and away from off-limits items. Provide pets with their own safe space to retreat to during chaotic holiday events or when there’s lots of activity.
🚪 Supervise and Limit Access: Close doors to off-limits rooms and monitor your pets during gatherings or decorating.
🐾 Know Emergency Contacts: Save the number for your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center ((888) 426-4435) in case of an emergency.
By staying vigilant and taking a few precautions, you can help ensure your holiday season is filled with joy and free of pet-related emergencies.
Wishing you and your furry companions a safe and happy holiday!
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