December 21st
Keep your pets safe this Holiday Season!

As we head into the holiday season, it’s important to remember not all food and décor, including indoor plants in your house, is safe for your pets. Here are a few common holiday pet hazards one should know about. 

Food

Most of us already know that chocolate is bad for pets, but ingredients in a lot of holiday favorites can cause gastrointestinal distress or poisoning too. Garlic and onions are common ingredients food grapes from the cheese board, and raisins often found in holiday cookies are just a few common foods to keep away from the pets.

Decor

• Christmas trees and standing displays: Pets are always curious, especially those prone to climbing, such as cats! They can knock over centrepieces and injure themselves as well as others. Having a secure base and monitoring your pet can help avoid accidents.
• Wrapping, ribbons, tinsel, lights, and small ornaments: If consumed, these may cause your pet to choke or have an internal blockage which will require an emergency visit to the vet!
• Glass and metal hooks: If possible, ensure to put all delicate items up high to avoid breaks, as these items could cause a nasty scratch or deep injury to your pet.
• Electrical wires: Many animals are prone to chewing on cords which can lead to electrical shock, burns, and blockages if ingested.

Indoor Plants

• Poinsettias: The milky white sap from the coloured leaves contains a chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, drooling and diarrhea.
• Holly: If the berries or spiked-edge leaves from a holly plant are ingested, this can result in irritation of the mouth, drooling, gastrointestinal upset (such as vomiting), and diarrhea.
• Mistletoe: This plant contains a malicious cocktail of substances toxic to dogs and cats. After ingesting mistletoe, pets can experience breathing problems, a drop in blood pressure, and hallucinations that often lead to unusual behaviour. At greater levels, mistletoe can cause seizures. 

This holiday season, ensure to keep harmful decorations away from your pet’s reach. Keep a close watch on your pets. If your pet does get into something, and you’re concerned about their health, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.