It's always a good reminder to review potential holiday hazards for your pets. The following comes from my local vet's office:
COOKIES AND CANDY: Consumption of chocolate can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, tremors, seizures and even death.
MACADAMIA NUTS AND WALNUTS: These nuts can cause severe lethargy, increased body temperature, vomiting, tremors, joint stiffness and the inability to walk.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: Tinsel, ribbon and similar decorations can cut up the digestive tract and cause intestinal obstruction. Ornaments should be kept off low-lying Christmas tree branches.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS may cause vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma and seizures.
LIGHTS AND CANDLES: If your pet can reach them, they may be a fire hazard if knocked over.
GRAPES, RAISINS, AVOCADOS, ONIONS AND GARLIC: These can cause lethargy, lack of appetite and vomiting.
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: Sugarless gum and artificially sweetened treats may cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures and liver failure.
FATTY TRIMMINGS AND BONES: Fatty foods can also promote pancreatitis. Swallowed bones can cause stomach perforation and painful constipation.
HOLIDAY PLANTS: Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias may cause irritation, vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmia in both cats and dogs.
ELECTRICAL CORDS: if chewed, live electrical cords can cause burns in or around a pet's mouth, difficulty breathing, seizures and cardiac arrest.
FOR SUSPECTED POISONING, YOU CAN CONTACT THE ASPCA POISON CONTROL HOTLINE: (888) 426-4435.
OTHER PET HEALTH QUESTIONS? Call your vet.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
