How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Most of us like to include our pets in our holidays and let them enjoy some of the same things we humans do. Unfortunately, some of us find out the hard way that our pets can’t tolerate all the things we can.

The first thing to remember is that pets tend to get anxious when things aren’t normal – which holidays rarely are. This anxiety can cause your pets to behave in ways you wouldn’t expect. For example, pets may want to inspect the new items guests bring into your house, such as suitcases, food, plants, etc. These items can prove fatal.

Human medications behave very differently in dogs and cats than they do in humans. Medications left where pets can get to them may be ingested. This is true for over-the-counter as well as prescription meds. Even something as ‘safe’ as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can cause irreparable harm to dogs and cats. It doesn’t need to be ingested in quantity, either, one tablet is all it takes.

Holiday treats can cause problems, too. We humans do love our chocolate, but it contains theobromine which can cause heart, kidney and central nervous system problems. Onions and garlic in large amounts can cause red blood cell damage. Sugar substitutes can cause rapid blood sugar decreases and seizures. Grapes and raisins can cause renal failure. Macadamia nuts can cause paralysis. Unbaked bread dough can expand rapidly and cause ethanol poisoning. In short, pet foods for the pets is the safest bet. Keep in mind, though, that any drastic change in diet can cause gastric problems that you may be cleaning up for days afterward.

Plants are another problem, especially with cats. However, if your dogs are as curious as mine, this applies to them as well. Mistletoe and holly are poisonous as are some exposed plant bulbs. Lillies, any part of the plant, are especially bad for cats.

Pets, being pets, are likely to surprise you. Just when you think you’ve covered everything, they eat something they are not supposed to and then what do you do? Don’t wait. Try calling your vet’s emergency number first, or another animal emergency hospital. You can also call the ASPCA national animal poison control center (888-426-4435). They charge a veterinary consultation fee, but free information about toxins is at their web site.