By following these handy tips, you can stay at home by a toasty fire, rather than trekking to the vet clinic in the middle of a frigid night.
Decoration dangers for pets
Holiday decorations can pose serious risks to your pet’s health if ingested or played with. Choose tree ornaments that are too large to be swallowed by a dog or cat, and avoid using hooks, which can easily become dislodged and swallowed. Opt for non-breakable ornaments whenever possible and hang them above paw height to keep them out of reach.
Glass ornaments, while beautiful, can shatter and create sharp pieces that pets may try to eat, leading to cuts in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Tinsel and angel hair are also best avoided, as pets can choke on them or suffer dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed. Wrappings like ribbon or string can cause digestive issues if ingested, so keep them out of your pet’s reach after gifts are opened.
“Swallowing stuff that’s not meant to be eaten can cause very serious problems,” says veterinarian Phil Baxter. “Unless you see it being eaten, it’s a tough diagnosis. Monitor your pets that have a tendency to chew.”
Some ornaments may be painted with or made from substances that are toxic to pets. Always hang decorations high enough that your pets can’t access them, and avoid adding chemicals to your Christmas tree’s water reservoir, as these can be toxic if your pet drinks from it. Make sure your tree is well-secured to prevent it from tipping over if a curious pet decides to climb or play with it.
Christmas plants toxic to pets
The scent of Christmas greenery is enticing, but many holiday plants are not safe for pets. Among the varieties that can spell disaster are:
- Holly: These pointy plants may provoke depression, diarrhea, and intense vomiting if ingested.
- Mistletoe: Kissing under the mistletoe is fine, but if your pet eats it, it can cause excessive drooling, digestive upset, and in larger amounts, heart arrhythmias or neurological issues.
- Pine needles: If eaten, these needles may cause oral irritation, lethargy, trembling, or posterior weakness.
- Poinsettias: While not as toxic as once believed, they can still irritate the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting.
- Lilies: These lovely white blooms can cause kidney failure in cats—not only the flowers, but also the pollen and water in the vase.
- Ornamental pepper and Christmas rose: These festive plants are also toxic and should be kept away from pets, especially birds.
Keep all holiday plants out of reach, and consider using artificial alternatives if you have pets at home.
Avoid pets chewing electrical cords
Pets, especially puppies and kittens, are often tempted to chew on electrical cords. Inspect your holiday lighting cords for bite marks or fraying, and replace any that are damaged. Use three-pronged plugs for added safety, and keep cords tucked away or covered to prevent access.
Chewing through the insulation of a live wire can result in electric burns, electrocution, seizures, or dangerous fluid buildup in the lungs. Unplug decorations when you’re not home, and consider using cord protectors or bitter-tasting sprays to deter chewing. Keeping cords out of reach is the best way to protect your pets from electrical hazards.
