This Not That: Holiday Hazards with Dr. Grace Chen
Many of us are spending a lot more time around the house this holiday season which means more time celebrating with our pets! Check out some helpful tips from Dr. Grace Chen in our This Not That: Holiday Hazards Guide.
This: Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus is not poisonous to dogs or cats. However, be mindful of using toxic insecticides and chemicals to treat the plant.
Not That: Poinsettias, Lilies Mistletoe & Holly
Poinsettias can cause GI upset and blisters in the mouth. A significant number of lily species can cause severe kidney damage in cats from ingestion of any part of the plant, including pollen that could accumulate on your cat’s fur. Mistletoe & Holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and if large amounts are ingested, and even cardiovascular problems.
This: Electric Candles
Is your furry friend a frisky one? Electric candles are a great alternative to flame burning candles and will prevent your pet from getting burned.
Not That: Flame Candles
Never leave your pet unattended around an open flame. One wrong step or wag of a tail could cause your pet to get burnt or start a fire.
This: Minimal Leftovers
Although our pets usually want to help us sample the spread, it's important to keep the table food to a minimum. A small amount of white meat turkey with no skin or seasoning is okay for your pet to sample.
Not That: Lots of Fatty Meats
Don’t give your pet fatty meats like ham which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.
This: Sweet Potato
If you want to spoil your pet this holiday season, a bit of unseasoned, cooked sweet potato is fine! Sweet potato is a safe, healthy and natural treat for your pet.
Not That: Chocolate
By now, most of us know that our pets should never eat chocolate, especially dark chocolate. However, it’s best to avoid feeding them sweets altogether as many of these contain an artificial sweetener known as xylitol, which can cause our pet’s blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels and require hospitalization.
This: Booties
Make sure your pet has a barrier between their paws and the ground this winter. Pet booties are an affordable option to protect your pet’s paws from the elements.
Not That: Barefoot
Don’t allow your pet to spend an extended amount of time barefoot outside during the winter. The cold temperatures, the snow, and salt on the ground can be harmful to their paws.
This: Kongs
Kongs are a great way to provide safe and tasty enrichment for your pet! Stuff the Kong with something yummy like peanut butter or cheese and let your pup have at it.
Not That: Bones
Whether cooked or raw, never give your pet the remaining bones from your meal. These bones can splinter becoming a severe choking hazard to your pet. Additionally, bones can cause digestive upset in dogs.
This: Pet Safe Ornaments
Opt for shatterproof ornaments that won’t break if they fall off of the tree.
Not That: Glass Ornaments
Glass ornaments are hazardous to pets when they fall and break. The tiny pieces can be difficult to see even after cleaning them up potentially puncturing your pet if they step or roll on them.
We hope you find these tips helpful, and if you have any questions you can always give us a call or shoot us an email. If you are unable to reach us and need immediate assistance due to ingestion or exposure, please contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team