PET TAILS: Tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season

During the holiday season when we cook special meals and entertain guests who bring gifts, we need to be especially aware of the things in our home that may not be safe for our curious pets.

Some indoor plants and decorations are highly toxic. For example, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis and lilies are all poisonous and you should use caution in how you display them. Keep them out of reach and only in areas where you can supervise your pet or consider not having them in your home at all. While these are not all of the plants toxic to pets, they are some of the more common ones used during the winter months.

Christmas trees can be mildly toxic to animals as the tree sap is an irritant. It can cause vomiting and drooling. The needles can also cause digestive problems if eaten. Most pets don’t ingest enough to be concerning, but it’s important to watch your pets around the tree.

Some common foods we associate with the holidays are also toxic to pets.

Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and is one of the most common toxicity issues seen by veterinarians. Garlic and onion both cause problems. While a small accidental bite for a dog probably won’t be an issue, cats are especially sensitive and can become quite sick from ingesting either.

Nutmeg and cinnamon powder, in large amounts, are toxic, so keep these spices out of reach. Cinnamon oil found in candles, soaps, wreaths and other decorative items can cause blisters in the mouth and should always be kept away from pets.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is often used in sugar-free deserts, candy and chewing gum. It’s especially toxic to dogs. Xylitol is now used in other traditionally safe products, like peanut butter, so it’s important to check the labels of anything you are feeding your pets.

Once the cooking, baking and entertaining are over, keep in mind that common pain relievers and drugs containing acetaminophen are harmful to pets and can result in severe gastric ulceration and acute kidney failure when ingested. This includes pain relieving creams.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a comprehensive list of items which are poisonous to pets. You can find the list at www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.

If you think your pet has ingested something and you don’t know what to do you can call the 24-hour poison control hotline at 888-426-4435.

Knowledge equals better protection for your pets. That way you can relax and enjoy a happy holiday season.

— Brown County Humane Society