During the holidays we want to include our pets in all the family celebrations, but the holidays can also present some extra hazards. A few simple precautions can help make sure this is a happy and healthy holiday season.
The holidays can get pretty busy with all the shopping, cooking and social events to get to. It’s easy to get sidetracked and forget about our pets. You can reduce you and your pet’s holiday stress by making sure you maintain your normal feeding and exercise schedule.
We all indulge a little more during the holidays, but just because we’re indulging on all those cookies, cakes and decadent dinners doesn’t mean that your dog should be indulging too. Too much rich food can give them an upset tummy, so avoid giving table scraps or at least keep the table scraps to a minimum.
With all the food that will be around during the holidays there are some foods that should never be given to dogs. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate and baking chocolate are toxic to dogs, causing theobromine poisoning. So keep those cookies and cakes out of reach.
Onions of all forms (raw, dehydrated, cooked, etc.) are another big no-no. They contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop hemolytic anemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. Be aware that lots of broths an stocks have onion powder in them, which means you shouldn’t be pouring some holiday gravy on your dog’s kibble.
Eating grapes and raisins can lead to acute renal (kidney) failure for dogs. One grape or raisin probably won’t do any harm, but as little as a single serving can cause problems so it is best to keep them (and foods like fruit cake) out of your dog’s reach.
Other foods that can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions are: macadamia nuts, avocados, caffeine, alcohol (including eggnog), pork, bones (especially poultry bones) and raw yeast dough.
If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.
Holiday decoration can also pose a potential hazard to your dog. Many dogs view the tree water as an extra drinking bowl for themselves, which can cause problems if you add fertilizer, tree preservatives or aspirin to the water, all of which can be toxic to dogs. It would be a good idea to erect a screen around the tree to block access to the water, ornaments, electrical cords and gifts (which sometimes are hiding food).
The holidays are a popular time to burn candles. Dogs with big tales have a tendency to knock candles over, so keep burning candles up high and never leave them unattended. Additionally many dogs are sensitive to essential oils and fragrances, so use scented candles in moderation.
A number of decorative Christmas plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten. Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, ivy, Christmas cactus, and potpourri are just some of the typical seasonal plants that can cause vomiting, diarrhea or other serious health problem if eaten. So please keep them out of reach or out of the house all together.
No one ever wants to make unplanned, emergency trips to the vet and so taking a few steps to ensure dogs avoid all these hazards can help to protect their lives and save your sanity during a typically hectic time of year.
Don’t forget the homeless animals at our shelters. They can use food donations, towels, and durable toys. Many shelters also have programs where you can volunteer to walk and spend time with the dogs. Donations and volunteering your time are both excellent ways to help the less fortunate animals this time of year.
