Keep your pet safe during the holidays

Glittering tinsel, poinsettias and your grandma’s best fudge recipe may be traditions of the holiday season, but they can be dangerous, and even deadly, to your pets. Read on to learn more about the hazards of the season for pets.

According to Paw-Rescue.org, holiday plants like holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies are extremely dangerous for pets. Pine needles, which can fall from Christmas trees or may be found in decorations, can puncture holes in a pet’s intestines if ingested.

It’s so much fun to shake those snow globes and watch the flakes swirl, but the globes often contain antifreeze, which is toxic to pets.

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water can breed harmful bacteria. Another hazard is caused when people add aspirin to the water, believing it will keep the tree fresh longer. If an animal drinks the water it can be lethal.

Swaying, swinging, shiny strings of tinsel are pleasing to the human eye and a temptation for pets, particularly curious felines. If a cat or kitten eats tinsel, it can block the digestive system. Angel hair (spun glass) is highly attractive to pets and can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and intestinal tract.

Christmas trees can take a tumble if not securely anchored, injuring pets or causing a fire hazard.

Small toys, plastic pieces left over from opening gifts and small rubber balls may cause choking and intestinal blockage in dogs if swallowed. If this occurs, surgery is often required to remove the objects.

Candles should be supervised at all times, says the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC). Pets are often attracted to lights in dark rooms. When encountering a candle, not only can a pet be burned, but they can potentially knock over the candle and start a fire.

According to the NAPCC, foil wrappers on candies are a hazard. The center explains that foil can be sharp as a razor if swallowed.

Bones are another dangerous item, especially those from poultry, which splinter easily.

“Each year thousands of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones,” says the NAPCC.

When partaking of a holiday feast, many owners want to share table scraps with their pets, but animal experts say don’t yield to the temptation. What is yummy for humans may cause digestive problems for pets. The NAPCC says human food is just too rich for pets. Large quantities of these foods, like turkey and ham and other holiday fare, can make your pet sick. They can also cause your pet to shun their regular food. Chocolate can be fatal for cats and dogs. It contains an ingredient called theobromine, which is poisonous for pets.

Experts warn never place a ribbon around a pet’s neck. Pets can tighten the ribbon, which can result in choking, or become entangled, seriously injuring themselves.

Pet owners may love to take their furry fourlegged companions along for visits to family and friends during the holidays, but this may not be a good idea. Homes you visit may not be pet-safe, and how welcome would your pet be? The best thing to do if you plan on taking pets with you on visits is to call ahead and ask your host first.

Holidays can be exciting, and parents of small children often see even well-mannered children losing control in the dazzle of the season. Pets can react the same way. Experts say that having normal routines upset, being exposed to strangers and eating foods that may not be part of the pet’s regular menu can lead to a host of other problems.

It’s best to ward off bad behavior at the pass. Try to keep your pet on a normal routine, and show them some extra affection. By becoming absorbed with holiday activities and demands, pets may not have potty breaks as usual, and that can lead to accidents in the home. It is important to keep potty breaks at the same time if possible.

For more tips on holiday pet safety, visit www.Paw-Rescue.org. If you have a pet poisoning emergency, contact ASPCA’s 24- hour poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435.