The annual holiday season is well underway. In addition to an abundance of delicious food, decorations are a festive way to celebrate. The eating habits of dogs and cats are sometimes less than desirable, and holiday items such as poinsettias and tinsel may be unwittingly viewed by a pet as a potential menu item.
Here are some tips on how to pet-proof your home in December:
For plant lovers, poinsettias, holly and mistletoe are holiday favorites. Poinsettias are frequently considered to be toxic to pets. The good news is that they are actually low on the toxicity scale. Nevertheless, try to keep this flower away from your pet. Poinsettias contain an irritating sap that may cause blistering in the mouth or an upset stomach. The pet may paw at his face, shake his head or salivate excessively. Some cats and dogs may vomit. In severe cases, hospitalization for supportive care and fluids may be necessary until the pet recovers.
The berries of holly and mistletoe are potentially more dangerous than poinsettias. Both the holly berries and the holly plant can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. A few mistletoe berries can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. But if eaten in larger quantities, these berries can affect the heart and lead to collapse. If your pet chews on a holiday plant, call your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) for advice. It is helpful if you know the name of the plant consumed.
Cats have an endless fascination with string-like objects. During the holidays, this list includes ribbon, tinsel and string used to tie roasts and poultry. The latter is soaked in meat juices and may be tasty for pets. Ingestion of string objects can lead to a serious gastrointestinal condition called "linear string foreign body."
Sometimes a string passes through the abdomen without incident. However, when the first part of the string moves faster, the intestines bunch together like an accordion. As the string tightens, it cuts through the soft intestinal tissue. This is a very serious condition that requires major surgery and hospitalization. It is most often seen in cats, but may occur in dogs, too. The affected pet is lethargic and not eating; he may vomit and his tummy is painful. If you think your pet may have eaten a string object, contact your veterinarian. The outcome is much more likely to be favorable if it is diagnosed early.
Cats and dogs may be enticed by the extra electric extension cords used during December. If a pet chews through the rubber casings, he may receive a severe shock or become electrocuted. Clinical signs may be immediate or they may occur up to two days later. Pale-colored burns may be evident on the lips or tongue. The electric current may damage the lungs and cause severe breathing problems. Electrocuted pets may seizure and die. If your pet has chewed through an electric cord, he should be carefully monitored by your veterinarian for several days. Try to keep unsupervised pets out of rooms with electric cords, or encase the cords in plastic tubing (PVC pipe). Be particularly watchful of puppies and kittens, as they are the most frequent victims of electric shock.
Button batteries are a hazard if they are consumed, and their small size makes them an easy target for ingestion. If unintentionally left on a table or floor, they can be a curiosity for some pets. Button batteries may release chemicals that cause erosions in the esophagus or stomach within 12 hours. They may also contain heavy metals such as mercury. Affected pets may vomit, drool and not eat. Treatment involves removing the battery with endoscopy or surgery, and medicating for erosions or heavy metal intoxication as needed.
Alcohol should be kept away from pets. Accidental ingestion may occur during social gatherings, when pets have access to open alcoholic drinks. Pets may vomit and appear drunk. Signs include unsteady gait, depression and disorientation. Affected pets should be seen by a veterinarian. Decontamination may be performed by the medical team, and blood pressure, temperature, heart function and fluid balance may need to be monitored. Dogs are more likely to ingest alcoholic beverages, but both dogs and cats are susceptible to illness.
The holidays can be fun for everyone, and a seasonal doggie sweater or new pet toy can be a festive addition to your home tradition. With a watchful eye and some simple precautions, this season can be safe for your furry friend, too.
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Dr. Heidi Bassler is medical director of the Veterinary Center of Greater Newburyport. Do you have questions for Dr. Bassler? Send them to ndn@newburyportnews.com.
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