Christmas isn't always a pet's friend; be safe

By Kate Arthur | karthur@pantagraph.com

Batteries are not chew toys. But cats and dogs will try.

And when they do, the chomped copper can block or perforate their intestines, maybe even lead to an ulcer.

Holidays can be hazardous to a pet's health. Even that harmless-looking silica gel packet that comes packaged with toys or boots may contain iron, which can cause problems.

Maybe you've been careful to keep the poinsettias and Christmas cactus out of reach because you've heard they're deadly. That's an urban myth, said Dr. Petra Volmer, a veterinary toxicologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

But they will make a pet sick. Expect an upset stomach.

"If your pet does ingest these plants, back them off food for a day to calm their stomachs," he said.

Maybe you're having houseguests who leave open suitcases around. Ask them to keep any medications out of reach. A good rule of thumb is: if it's harmful for children, it's harmful for pets.

Christmas lights can cause problems. The liquid in bubble lights is methylene chloride. It's toxic and can be converted to carbon monoxide in the body, damaging the heart, brain and lungs.

Try to route electrical cords out of reach. Dr. Lou Herrin, owner of Herrin Animal Hospital in Bloomington, had a cat that liked to chew on cords. He found Felix under the bed one time with a charred stripe on his tongue.

Ribbon is another holiday hazard. Like tinsel, it can bind the intestines like a drawstring, requiring immediate surgery.

"It's a real difficult surgery to get that out," Herrin said.

The veterinarians offered the following advice on keeping your pets safe:

• Avoid using preservatives in tree water and cover it so pets won't drink out of it. Dogs and cats have a much lower sight line. To them, the tree looks like a water bowl or toy.

• Keep pets away from the tree unless supervised.

• Hang ornaments less likely to cause problems on lower branches.

• Keep tinsel, strings of popcorn or beads high enough that cats can't reach them.

• Ingested mistletoe and holly can cause stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea. Use artificial plants or keep them out of reach.

• Wait until the last minute to place wrapped gifts under the tree. Pets might chew on the paper and ribbon.

• The No. 1 problem this time of year is stomach or intestinal problems caused by people food and bones. Don't leave candy treats on low-level tables. Strings used to tie roasts and birds soaked with tasty juices can be attractive; make sure the foil or plastic bag is out of sight (and smell).

• If your pet does get sick, call your veterinarian before giving medications. Many over-the-counter drugs, such as Tylenol, are toxic for them. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, immediately contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

E-mail this story | Print this story | Search archives | RSS

Show comments | Hide comments | Hide comments on all stories

Subscribe to the Pantagraph

Contact the Pantagraph staff

Home page | Previous page | Top

Ads by Yahoo!

Los Angeles Furniture

Find discount, designer & custom furniture stores in & near L.A.
Furniture.YellowPages.com/LA

Home Decoration

The top websites for home interior decor.
www.homedecorationz.info

Home Decoration

Search great sites about home interior decor here.
www.homedecorationz.biz

Take a look

Getting kisses from a beagle is all part of the job for Santa, who once posed with a rat. (Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK)

Owners placed antlers, Santa hats and holiday sweaters on their dogs for the snapshots. (Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK)

Will Slaughter of Bloomington holds Paco as they wait in line for a picture with Santa. Paco owns several sweaters, along with a jeans jacket. (Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK)