Defuse Holiday Dangers

This is the time of year that we as veterinarians must answer many calls about injuries related to our holiday festivities. Some of these problems arise from ingestion of holiday goodies but others involve the injury from holiday decorations. The severity of the condition varies from simple vomiting and diarrhea all the way to death. The following information is provided to help you insure that your pet has a happy and HEALTHY holiday season.

CHOCOLATE: The most dangerous of all chocolate is unsweetened or baking chocolate. This form of chocolate contains 10 times the toxin, theobromine, that milk chocolate. As little as 1 ounce can cause death to a 10 pound dog. Theobromine is a compound that is distantly related to caffeine and has toxic symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, muscle twitches, and possible death. If you pet consumes chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately.

ALCOHOL: The consumption of alcohol is usually an accidental occurrence. This often occurs with a dog getting into any left over cocktails or beer from a holiday party. The signs that you might observe include excitability and dizziness at first but may progress to more serious problems including vomiting, lethargy, dyspnea (difficult breathing), and possibly death.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:

ANGEL HAIR can be very irritating to the skin and mouth cavity. It is made from spun glass fibers.

ARTIFICIAL TREES may be of a concern if ingested. They are usually made from plastic or metal. Make sure that the tree is secure and can't be knocked over and chewed on.

CANDLES are usually not of a concern but they may pose a fire hazard if they are lit and your pet knocks them over.

ORNAMENTS can be dangerous if eaten. They can be made of glass or thin metal which can cause injury to the intestines. The coloring and paints that decorate the ornaments are usually non-toxic.

CHRISTMAS TREE AND OTHER EVERGREENS contain toxic resins and oils. When consumed these products can be of concern but usually the symptoms are seen as diarrhea and vomiting.

TINSEL is potentially dangerous, especially to cats. The tinsel will cause intestinal irritation and possible obstruction. Plastic is usually the main component in tinsel and usually is not toxic. Keep tinsel high on the tree, out of reach of your cats.

WRAPPING PAPER AND RIBBON are usually non-toxic but can be ingested and cause intestinal irritation or obstruction.

HOLIDAY PLANTS: There are many rumors and misconceptions regarding holiday plants and their toxic status. Below are lists of holiday plants and their status.

NON TOXIC: Bayberry, Christmas Begonia, Christmas Cactus, Christmas Cheers, Christmas Dagger Fern, Mistletoe Cactus (see Mistletoe below), and Poinsettia.

TOXIC: Amaryllis(bulb), Boxberry(leaves), Christmas berry(leaves), Christmas Cherry(leaves/fruit), Christmas Pepper(leaves/fruit), Christmas Rose(all), Chrysanthemum(all), Holly(berry/leaves), Mistletoe(berry/all). **Mistletoe is the most deadly of all holiday plants for both pets and humans.