MANHATTAN — The holiday season is full of cheer, but it can also bring hidden dangers for our beloved pets. From festive foods to holiday decorations, there’s plenty to watch out for.
Susan Nelson, clinical professor at Kansas State University’s Veterinary Health Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine, has some tips to keep pets safe.
“Many animal-related emergency room visits during the holidays are due to pets eating something inappropriate, whether intentionally given or by accident,” Nelson said. “Some foods cause upset stomachs, some are poisonous and some can cause life-threatening obstructions.”
Fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis. Ham, gravy, butter-laden potatoes and buttered veggies should be kept out of reach from pets. Skin and dark meat from turkey and fat trimmings from meat can be harmful to animals.
“Meat bones can cause life-threatening perforation of the GI tract,” Nelson said. “Especially poultry bones, which tend to splinter when chewed. Several small pieces can also lead to GI obstruction. Tooth breakage from chewing on them is possible as well.”
Pet owners should exercise caution when it comes to certain foods and beverages that can be harmful to animals. Items to avoid include chocolate, coffee and caffeinated drinks, as well as raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, raw yeast dough, salty snacks and foods seasoned with garlic or onion powder. Additionally, citrus plant stems, leaves, peels, fruits and seeds, along with dairy products, desserts or candies sweetened with xylitol, and alcoholic beverages, can pose serious health risks.
“Securing all food items behind a pet-proof door and making sure trash cans are secured can help keep pets safe,” Nelson said. “Strings, foil wrappers, stainless steel scrub pads, skewers and other items smell like the food they were used on and are tempting for pets to ingest. These can lead to GI obstruction and/or perforations.”
Food is not the only thing that could be harmful to pets this holiday season.
“Ingestion of holiday plants can cause anywhere from minor GI irritation to life-threatening toxicity,” Nelson said. “Plants to keep out of reach include mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, balsam, pine and cedar. Certain water additives for Christmas trees can also be toxic to our pets. The ASPCA contains lists of more plants that are toxic, or not, to dogs and cats.”
While certain holiday plants can cause varying levels of toxicity, the decorations and wrapping materials that fill our homes can also pose significant dangers if pets try to eat them.
“Homes are often decked for the holidays, with many decorations and wrapping items having the potential to cause harm if ingested,” Nelson said. “These include items such as ribbons, tinsel, hooks, electrical cords, candles, oil lamps, potpourri, ornaments and wreaths.”
Holiday festivities might be fun for us but can be stressful for pets.
“Pets that are anxious around strangers or crowds should be kept in a comfortable, quiet place away from the commotion with a favorite treat or toy,” Nelson said. “Even if your pet likes company, they should still have access to a room or crate located in a quiet place where your guests won’t bother them. For pets that become particularly stressed by company, speak to your veterinarian about prescribing them anxiolytics to decrease their anxiety until your company has left.”
It is important to make sure pets have identification, like a collar with tags or a microchip, in case they should slip through the door and run away as guests enter and leave. Make sure microchips have the most up-to-date contact information.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, immediately call your veterinarian, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for advice.
For more information, contact the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center at 785-532-5690.
