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Pet Health Library

HOLIDAYS INCLUDE HAZARDS FOR YOUR PET

The holidays are a time for giving, but that should not include sweets or turkey scraps to your pet. Holiday festivities can present situations that are hazardous to your pet’s health. A little precaution will make it a happy time for everyone.

Some of the more common holiday hazards include:

  • Bones: The holiday turkey or ham will leave a lot of tantalizing bones, but don’t feed them to your pet. Smaller bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach and intestinal tract. Fats, gravies and poultry skin can cause severe gastrointestinal problems as well.
  • Holiday plants: Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous when eaten. Keep them out of pets’ reach.
  • Electrical cords: Holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Be sure you have the cords secured and out of the way.
  • Pine needles: Check around holiday trees and decorative boughs frequently. Ingested pine needles can puncture you pet’s intestines.
  • Sweets: Too much holiday candy is as bad for your pet as it is for you. A stomachache is a mild side effect while an over indulgence in chocolate can actually be fatal. Chocolate poisoning is caused by theobromine, a caffeine-like chemical substance found naturally in chocolate. Keep those one pound chocolate kisses well away from curious pets - don’t leave them wrapped under the tree!
  • Christmas tree: Make sure your Christmas tree is well secured. If you have a tree climbing cat or large dog, anchor the top of the tree to a wall, using strong cord or rope. Preservatives used in the water at the base can also cause intestinal problems, so be sure it is inaccessible.
  • Ornaments: Sharp or breakable tree ornaments, yarns, ribbons, angel hair and, especially, tinsel and string should be kept out of your pet’s reach. Hang these items high on the tree and make sure your packages are securely wrapped.

Quail Creek Veterinary Clinic hopes everyone has a safe and happy Holiday Season. Please contact us if we can be of assistance with your holiday boarding needs. 

Sincerely,

Doug Ruby, DVM, Beth Ruby, DVM, and the Quail Creek Veterinary Staff

2915 NW 122nd Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73120      405-755-0746

 

serving Oklahoma since 1980
Copyright 2005 Quail Creek Veterinary Clinic. All rights reserved.
2915 NW 122nd St., OKC, OK 73120
405-755-0746 E-mail us: service@quailcreekvet.com