The holidays are a time for social gatherings, food and festivities. But in preparing for celebrations, it’s important to remember your pets.
Pets may not find the noise and activity enjoyable, but they will certainly be tempted by things to eat — including some items that may not be good for them. And it’s not just food — plants and decorations can also be dangerous.
Dr. Kiko Bracker, service director at Angell Animal Medical Center’s Emergency and Critical Care Department in Boston, recently offered some insight into how to help keep pets safe and healthy this holiday season.
With food, watch out for toxicity
While pumpkin, cranberries and apples are not too concerning, chocolate, grapes and raisins are a different story.
“Grapes and raisins have toxicity to kidneys, which can be quite bad if dogs consume a lot of it,” Bracker said. “It’s a dose toxicity, and a dog’s size has a lot to do with it. One or two won’t be too bad, but anything more, especially for smaller dogs, can be harmful.”
While there has always been a lot of fear about chocolate and pets, Bracker said chocolate is rarely fatal.
“Again, it is dose dependent — how much is consumed and the size of the pet,” he said. “The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is.”
Pets should not be given chocolate, but if they snag a small piece, there’s no need for panic.
Bones? It depends. Chicken bones that have been “cooked to smithereens” or barbecue pork bones that are soft and porous may not pose a serious threat if a dog gets hold of them, Bracker said.
“They’re easy to digest and pass, but a solid beef bone that is hard will not break down and is apt to cause an obstruction,” he said.
Cats have a greater chance of choking on a chicken bone because they’re smaller.
Acorns, chestnuts and certain nuts should also be avoided, primarily due choking potential. And some nuts, such as macadamias, can be toxic.
Pets should not be encouraged to have fatty foods or sweets, which can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Plants and decorations can lead to choking
It’s long been known that cats and Christmas trees, especially natural trees, do not mix. While not much can be done to stave off a cat’s instinct, there are precautions that can be taken.
Use shatter-proof ornaments that will not leave sharp pieces behind if they fall or are knocked to the ground; be wary of tinsel, which can be dangerous if ingested; and leave gifts with ribbons and bows out of reach of pets. Ribbons and bows can be attractive to pets, but they cause choking and intestinal blockage.
Additionally, be careful about leaving plants in areas where pets can access them. Poinsettias, azaleas, mistletoe and holly can all be toxic, irritating mouths and throats if consumed. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can lead to kidney failure.
Provide your pet with a place to get away
If pets experience noise or crowd anxiety, it’s important for them to have a safe space.
“Avoidance is very helpful,” Bracker said. “There are also short-term sedatives that can be prescribed by a veterinarian that can be quite helpful.”
When traveling, make sure pets are comfortable, and that if using a carrier, they have room to lay down. It’s a good idea to bring a favorite blanket or toy to help soothe them, and that they have access to water and opportunities to relieve themselves.
Pets are happiest when getting exercise. It’s important to take regular walks or allow pets playtime, indoors or outside. If going outside, stay mindful of the weather.
“It’s difficult to say at what particular temperature a dog would need a sweater, as they’re all so different — short hair and long hair, seniors, puppies,” Bracker said. “Generally, pets are more tolerant to the cold than we are, but once it gets below freezing, different things should be considered. If a dog seems cold or is shivering, you know it needs to go inside or needs a coat/sweater.”
Natural predators such as coyotes are still out at this time of year, so proceed with caution when bringing pets outside.
“Far and away, though, the most common bite wounds we see are dog-to-dog bite wounds,” Bracker said.
No adult beverages, treats for your pet
Pets should never be given alcohol, or any food that contains it, as it can cause organ damage. This leads to gastrointestinal problems, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing and even coma and death.
Something Bracker said seems to be on the rise are pets consuming THC, usually in the form of gummies.
“We see a lot of THC toxicity,” he said. “It’s not uncommon to see several cases a week. Dogs are indiscriminate and would eat a whole candy bar or bag of gummies.”
Pets under the influence of THC are extremely sedate for a few days, startle easily, are usually wobbly on their feet, and often dribble urine.
As in any situation where a pet’s health and safety might be in question, contact a veterinarian or local animal hospital.
