Pet Care Tips
Holiday Hazards
The holidays are a wonderful time of year. A time filled with fun, food, decorations and joy. But did you know some traditions could be harmful to the fluffy four-legged members of your family? Here is a brief list of holiday hazards for your pets.
- Plants: Mistletoe, poinsettia and holly
- Bones: Chicken, turkey, ribs, and other small animal bones splinter easily and can lead to serious internal damage. NEVER feed them to your pets.
- Ribbons around the neck: although your pet may look adorable, this could cause choking
- Angel Hair (spun glass): Can be irritating to the eyes and skin, it could also cause an intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.
- Decoration hooks: These could cause trauma to the mouth and gastrointestinal system or a blockage if eaten.
- Styrofoam/packing peanuts: Could cause your pet to choke or create an intestinal blockage if eaten.
- Tinsel and Ribbon: If swallowed could lead to an instestinal obstruction, these are also a chocking hazard; NEVER pull a string/ribbon etc. that is coming from your pets rectum — this could cause severe instestinal trauma.
- Balloons, Confetti: These also pose a choking and obstructive hazard.
- Christmas tree water: Allowing your pet to drink from the Christmas tree water could cause stomach upset.
- Candles: Curious dogs and cats may burn themselves or cause a fire. Blow candles out when you leave the room.
- Xylitol: A common sweetner in gum and candy that is toxic to pets.
- Chocolate: All forms are toxic in differing dosages.
