Of all the potential holiday hazards for your pet, the most common we see are food related. We all enjoy giving our furry friends a taste of the holiday feasts. However, meat bones can cause blockages in the intestines or constipation. Greasy and spicy foods can cause diarrhea. In severe cases, overindulgence in fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can necessitate hospitalization.

The holiday season would not be complete without chocolate candy or hot chocolate. Pets can become ill from eating too much chocolate. The theobromine in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-excitability, seizures, and death from cardiac abnormalities. Baking chocolate and unsweetened cocoa are the most potent. Milk chocolate is more likely to cause your basic upset stomach, but a small dog who eats a bag of Hershey kisses could be in trouble.

Due to a species specific reaction, sugar-free candies or gum sweetened with xylitol can be toxic to dogs. Humans do not absorb significant amounts of xylitol into the bloodstream, but dogs do. Xylitol triggers insulin to be released, sometimes causing severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms include in-coordination, loss of consciousness, or seizures. Additionally, xylitol toxicity has been associated with liver failure in surviving dogs.

Ingestion of garlic and onions can cause the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Cats are more sensitive than dogs. But dogs are more likely to eat large quantities. Who doesn’t love a plateful of onion rings?

Raisins and grapes should be avoided as they can cause acute kidney failure. One dog died from the raisins in a large volume of fruitcake. A handful of fruit can be toxic to a 20 pound dog.

On occasion, we have seen dogs who overindulge in alcohol, often at the urging of mischievous humans. Dogs can suffer from alcohol poisoning the same as humans. Severely intoxicated dogs may become comatose and require hospitalization.

The second most common hazard we see are related to the decorations.

Tinsel, ribbon, and ornament hooks are irresistible to cats. Unfortunately, when swallowed, these objects can become trapped in the intestine and cause the intestines to bunch up like an accordion. The friction can actually cut through the intestinal wall causing infection within the belly. If the objects are removed early, kitties can do well. However, if caught late, it is often fatal.

The flickering flame of a candle attracts curious cats. Cats have been known to singe their whiskers or even light themselves on fire playing with the flames. If unmonitored, a playful cat can knock over a candle and start a fire.

Poinsettias receive more bad publicity than they are due. Their sap can cause vomiting and can be irritating to the mouth. Reactions are typically mild. However, many types of lilies used in holiday decorations are toxic to cats, causing potentially fatal kidney damage. Avoid Easter, Asian and Tiger lilies just to name a few. Mistletoe can be very toxic to both dogs and cats. Signs of ingestion include vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, pets can develop difficulty breathing.

Decorative lights are a temptation for your pet. Injuries can occur from frayed cords or from pets chewing on the cord. Electrical shock can cause severe burns especially in the mouth. Pets can have difficulty breathing from fluid accumulation in the lungs, and cardiac abnormalities can occur. Smaller pets can be killed outright by the shock, and larger pets can succumb to the effects.

If you think your pet has had too much holiday cheer, contact your veterinarian. She can help you determine if you pet is in trouble or just needs to take a break from too much of a good thing.



Dr. Teresa Kendall, DVM is a practicing veterinarian in Cordele.