Keep pet safety in mind during the holiday season

Christmas lights, ornaments, tinsel, ornament hooks and even different types of food can be especially attractive to your pet, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service veterinarian.

“Just as we as humans get excited to see special things brought into the home for the holidays, your pet can be especially inquisitive to these new items,” MacAllister said. “If your pet should happen to chew up an ornament or eat some tinsel, it will damage the pet’s mouth and possible obstruct the esophagus, stomach or intestine.”

Electrical items such as tree lights, extension cords and electric toys also pose a danger for pets. There is the threat of electric shock if the pets chew on the cords.

MacAllister said it is a good idea to keep ornaments high on the tree. Instead of using regular ornament hooks, try using ribbon to tie ornaments to the branches. Also, pets and small children should not be left alone with the tree or any lighted or potentially dangerous decorations or toys.

Many people like to decorate with various holiday plants, but keep in mind that mistletoe and holly are toxic and should be kept out of your pet’s reach.

Holiday decorations are not the only things that can cause pets harm. Special holiday foods also can be dangerous to your pets.

Foods such as turkey, chocolate and alcohol are all potentially hazardous for animals. MacAllister said cooked poultry bones easily splinter when chewed and can lacerate or perforate the pet’s mouth, esophagus and intestine.

“Many children receive chocolate candy in their holiday stockings, or special chocolate desserts are prepared for special family gatherings. It’s important to keep all chocolate out of your pet’s reach,” she said. “Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a toxic compound for animals. Animals are much more sensitive to this compound than we are and they can easily consume enough chocolate that can result in serious illness.”

If you suspect your dog has consumed some form of chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. Signs of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, depression, frequent urination, diarrhea and muscular tremors. Treatment of chocolate poisoning in pets is primarily based upon preventing absorption by the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, hastening elimination from the GI tract and supportive treatment.

Alcohol is another danger to pets. Oftentimes after a holiday party, the hosts may opt to wait until morning to clean up. However, leftover alcoholic beverages should be dumped out immediately so pets will not be able to drink them.

“Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant in pets. A dog weighing 30 pounds can easily become intoxicated after consuming just two tablespoons of whiskey,” MacAllister said.

The holiday season is time to be enjoyed by families and their pets. Prevention is the key to avoiding mishaps that can be a threat to pets. Using good judgment is one way to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.

###

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu