Holiday Pet Hazards

Many of the holiday problems presenting to our hospital are related  to new items introduced into the household during the holiday season that the pet may chew or ingest.  Also during this time of giving, pet owners with good intentions may be inclined to offer their pet treats and table scraps that could also put them at risk.

"Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!"......You may be pretty but you are surrounded by hazards:

  
Lights surrounding the tree may be chewed on by cats and dogs potentially causing electrocution.  Signs may range from dazed / confused behavior to difficulty breathing, seizures, heart arrhythmia and potentially acute death.   If you suspect electrocution then immediate evaluation by a veterinarian is recommended. Take appropriate precautions to ensure lights are hung out of reach and the cord is adequately protected. 

Tinsel and ribbon often attract playful cats and some dogs who may ingest them.  In medical terms we refer to these items as 'linear foreign bodies' because they have significant potential to get bound up within the intestinal tract causing a blockage and in some cases cutting through the intestines.  Vomiting will be the most common abnormality seen when a problem is developing but because cats can be reclusive this is not always observed by the pet owner.  In cases where obstruction occurs, early surgical care is essential.  Exercise extreme caution and never leave pets unattended around string, tinsel and ribbon. 

Ornaments may be ingested and have potential to cause an obstruction leading to vomiting and potential need for surgery.  Ornaments made of glass have potential to fall and break leading to cuts and other injuries.   Please take necessary precautions to adequately secure ornaments and place them above the reach of wandering paws.

Tree stand water contains preservatives and sap that may cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Festive plants are often added to the household during the holidays and precautions should be taken to avoid ingestion of any plant.  Even 'non-toxic' plant material such as pine needles may cause GI upset.  Below is a list of common holiday plants to take particular note of:



Lily


Lilies are extremely toxic to cats.  gestion of any part of the plant, even in small amounts, can cause life-threatening toxicity.  Early signs may include lethargy and vomiting.  Without prompt treatment most cats will will become extremely ill and develop kidney failure within 36-48hrs of ingestion.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis also known as Belladonna lily.  This plant is toxic; often causing vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.  It can cause more serous problems including low blood pressure and liver damage.

Poinsettia are considered to be mildly toxic; often causing GI upset and/or skin irritation.  Treatment is recommended if any clinical signs develop.

Potpourri are popular table top fragrances often used around the house during the holiday season.  The plant material and some additives are very irritating to the skin, mouth and intestinal tract.  Cats appear to be particularly attracted to potpourri.  If skin exposure is suspected then bathing with a mild soap is recommended and medical care may be needed to treat irritation and pain that follow exposure.  Ingestion often results in signs that may include salivation / drooling, anorexia, vomiting and in some cases disorientation.  Medical care following ingestion is recommended.

Treats are a common source of holiday emergencies.  While it can be hard to resist the gaze of your beloved pet, it is important to recognize the dangers with particular foods and treats.

Fatty foods such as meat trimmings are common culprits for causing GI upset accompanied by vomiting, pancreatitis and diarrhea.

Bones expose your pets to many unnecessary risks including the potential for choking or developing an obstruction in their intestinal tract.  Cooked bones when chewed often fragment into small slivers that can cause severe irritation to the intestinal tract as they pass.

Rawhides and bully sticks have potential to cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

'People foods' that we take for granted as being safe for us are not always safe for our pets.  Raisins and grapes have been implicated in causing kidney failure in dogs.  Onion ingestion can cause blood cell damage in both dogs and cats.  Chocolate contains caffeine and a caffeine-like substance (theobromine) that dogs and cats are highly sensitive to causing GI upset, tremors, seizures and irregular heart beat.  Macadamia nuts cause dogs to show a variety of strange signs that can include weakness, apparent pain, disorientation and tremors.  

At PETS Referral Center we recommend you avoid these and other treats not specifically meant for pets.   A good alternative is to use an appropriate size Kong toy loaded with bread and a small amount of peanut butter. 

We hope this information helps you and the four-legged members of your family have a safe and wonderful holiday. 

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Additional Resources:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control

Lilies - Images and Information

Amaryllis - Images and Information

A Sticky Situation

Gorilla Glue and Elmer's ProBond are popular polyurethane based adhesives that when ingested can cause serious problems. While classified as 'non-toxic', these glues contain a catalyzing agent called Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI). When MDI based adhesives come in contact with water they rapidly expand (hygroscopic) and create a hard foam material. The rate of this reaction is enhanced in warm / acidic environments such as the stomach. Ingestion most commonly results in an obstruction in the stomach. The reaction also produces heat (exothermic) which can result in thermal burns to the esophagus and stomach which can be life threatening.

Animals ingesting these adhesives may present for a variety of nonspecific clinical signs including anorexia, restlessness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or lethargy. Signs generally develop 15min to 20hrs following ingestion.

If ingestion is suspected it is important that your pet see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not attempt to induce emesis (vomiting). The glue can expand and harden in minutes. Emesis can cause esophageal obstruction and/or injury. Ingestion of as little as 2oz will likely cause obstruction in a medium (50lb) size dog. Radiographs of the abdomen often shows evidence of the glue mass.

In cases where obstruction develops surgery is indicated to remove the glue mass. The image on the left shows an incision in the stomach revealing the large glue mass inside. Prompt identification of the problem and medical care greatly improve your pets chances for a successful outcome. The best treatment is prevention. If you use MDI based glues, please take extra precaution to keep away from pets.


Michael Barlia, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian
Pet Emergency Treatment Service

The Hidden Danger of Chewing Gum

More and more sugar free chewing gum's are adding Xylitol as an artificial sweetener. While Xylitol does not pose a risk to humans, it is of great concern for dogs.

In dogs, xylitol causes excessive release of insulin from the pancreas which can result in a potentially life threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Hypoglycemia can develop in as short as 30 min or could take up to 12 hrs following ingestion. Effects can be prolonged sometimes lasting several days. Hypoglycemia left untreated may cause lethargy, disorientation, seizures and even death. Rare cases of delayed liver failure have also been reported.

It is essential that you seek immediate care for your dog if gum or other xylitol sweetened products are ingested. If your dog ingests gum and you are not sure whether it contains xylitol then consult with ASPCA Animal Poison Control (link below). They maintain an extensive database regarding a wide range of potential toxicities. If you make use of this service and are advised to seek veterinary care, please provide the veterinarian with the case number from the ASPCA. With early recognition of the problem and appropriate treatment most dogs can make a full recovery.

Useful Links:
ASPCA Poison Control
Cases of xylitol poisoning in dogs rise


Michael Barlia, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian
Pet Emergency Treatment Service