HOLIDAY HAZARDS FOR PETS
The Holidays are supposed to be a happy time for friends and family to gather together to
celebrate all that is good in our lives. For those people with pets we all know they are a part of the
family and good friends. Although it is nice to have our pets involved with the holidays it is also
important to remember it is our responsibility to protect them from potential hazards. Many of the
things I will be talking about can be found year round, but are more prevalent around this time of
year.
A short list of some of the potential hazards of the holidays are as follows: chocolate,
grapes, raisins, avocados, garlic, onions, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, rising yeast dough, some
nuts, fatty foods, bones, holiday plants, lights, candles, electrical cords and holiday decorations.
Most people are aware that chocolate is toxic. The amount of toxin in chocolate varies with
the type. A general rule is the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is likely to
be. Unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more toxins than milk chocolate.
Also the size of the animal is very important. The same amount of chocolate where we may see no
problems with a large breed dog can be fatal for a small animal. Low exposures may cause
vomiting and diarrhea. With progressively higher doses we may see agitation, high heart rates,
tremors, seizures, coma and death.
Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, so it is not possible to determine how much
will cause a problem. What we do know is that ingestion has been associated with kidney failure
in dogs and there have been a few reported suspected cases in cats and ferrets.
Avocados contain a toxin called persin that has not truly been associated with significant
problems for dogs and cats, but can be deadly for birds. The toxin can be found in the leaves, fruit,
bark and seeds of the avocado. Small birds such as canaries and budgies seem to be more
susceptible and can show signs such as breathing difficulty, generalized swelling and heart
problems that all can lead to death. Problems for dogs are more likely to be caused by ingestion of
the pit which then can become lodged in the throat, stomach or intestines.
Garlic and onions are also toxic to cats and dogs. They both are from the same genus of
plants and ingestion can lead to damage of red blood cells leading to a fatal anemia. Dried forms
also concentrate the toxic component decreasing the amount necessary to lead to problems.
Sugarless gum and candies and treats often contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol.
Ingestion has been associated with severe low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Signs of
toxicity may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination and seizures.
Dogs and cats that ingest alcohol can get drunk just like people, but it is usually far more
serious with increased doses. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination and
disorientation, but also may lead to difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures and coma.
Ingestion of rising yeast dough can be life threatening to dogs. Moisture in the stomach
combined with the dog’s body heat aids in development of the rising yeast ball in the stomach.
This can lead to an obstruction in the stomach and intestines or bloating. Additionally, alcohol is
produced in the rising process and we may see signs of alcohol poisoning as previously discussed.
Macadamia nuts and walnuts can also be toxic. Walnuts themselves are not toxic, but often
contain a mold that is. Any moldy food may contain a variety of toxins that may cause muscle
tremors, lack of coordination and seizures. Severity of signs can be mild to life-threatening
depending upon the amount and potency of the toxin ingested. Ingestion of macadamia nuts has
been associated with signs of weakness, depression, vomiting, fever, incoordination and tremors.
The toxin in macadamia nuts is unknown, but they may also contain a mold.
Many of us love to include our pets in the holidays by giving bones and extra table scraps.
Unfortunately this can also cause problems for them. Swallowed bones can cause stomach
perforations or become lodged in the stomach or intestines requiring surgery. Fatty foods may lead
to pancreatitis, which is a painful inflammation of the pancreas and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea
and loss of appetite. Many pets with pancreatitis need to be hospitalized on IV fluids and
supportive care.
Ingestion of holiday plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly can be irritating to the
mouth and stomach and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. In rare cases mistletoe has the
potential to cause heart problems.
Finally any and all decorations can be hazardous to your pets. Lights, candles, electrical
cords, ornaments, ribbons, etc. can all be dangerous. Lights and candles not only can be fire
hazards, but if ingested can cause obstructions. I cannot tell you how many different objects I have
removed from dogs and cats stomachs and intestines, but it is a long list and it is always amazing
what animals will eat. In the case of candles, some oils in candles can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Probably needless to say but chewing on electrical cords can be lethal. Chewing on live electrical
cords can cause burns in and around a pet’s mouth, fluid collection in and around the lungs and
heart, seizures and cardiac arrest.
My intention in writing this article is not to scare everyone into isolating their animals in a
room by themselves but rather to just inform everyone in order to protect them. Our animals are
our friends and part of the family. My wife and I have had stockings hung over the fireplace for
all our animals past and present and will continue to do so and buy them presents that are
appropriate for them. Having an animal is an incredible responsibility and should be taken
seriously. They love us unconditionally, but also look to us to take care of them. Protecting them
from themselves is just part of that responsibility.
Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season from your friends at PatterPaws Animal
Hospital.