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Winter Holiday Pet Safety Tips From PetEducation.com and Drs. Foster and Smith

While holiday celebrations are a time of great fun, popular foods and decorations that make the holidays so enjoyable can also be dangerous to animals. Veterinarians Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith, of PetEducation.com and Doctors Foster and Smith -- the world's largest provider of pet supplies and prescriptions via the Internet and cataloges, want to remind responsible pet owners that they need to be aware of the dangers and plan carefully to avoid these potential hazards so the holidays remain a happy time of year, rather than a time for an emergency visit to a vet.

According to the Doctors, many traditional holiday foods pose a threat to pets. Rich, fatty foods like gravy or grease can cause problems ranging from upset stomachs to pancreatitis. Alcohol, too, should be kept away from animals as it can cause serious intoxication. Unfortunately, many of the holiday drinks that contain alcohol, such as eggnog, produce sweet aromas that draw pets. So try to pick up and rinse stray cups quickly during holiday gatherings to avoid any problems.

Chocolate, coffee and tea all contain a compound called xanthine that is dangerous and toxic to animals. Chocolate is especially a problem because pets love its flavor. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits; but all chocolate, fudge and other candy should be placed out of a pet's reach.

Many people think bones are good for pets. It may come as a surprise, however, that not all bones are pet friendly. Bones from fish, meat or poultry can cause problems if swallowed. Be sure to keep bones, other than those specifically made for dogs, away from pets. Rawhides and certain toys, as well as hardened, sterilized bones are much safer alternatives.

Some seasonal holiday plants can also be harmful to pets. Never let a pet chew or eat holly, mistletoe, poinsettias or hibiscus plants. If you decide to brighten up your home with these items, make sure to place these plants well out of a pet's reach, or opt for imitation holiday plants.

While Christmas trees aren't poisonous, they do create a whole other set of hazards for curious animals. First off, place trees in a stable stand and secure them to a window or wall. Pet owners may also want to think about using a specially designed Scat Mat, available at DrsFosterSmith.com, to keep pets away from trees.

Tree ornaments are another common threat to pets. Shiny, metallic tinsel is almost irresistible to animals. When eaten, the strips can cause blockages in the digestive system, often requiring surgery to remove. So think about leaving tinsel off the tree altogether. Small or breakable ornaments can also be swallowed and cause tummy problems, so place them higher up on a tree and leave the larger, less intriguing ornaments for placement near the bottom. Some people also like decorating trees with foods like gingerbread, popcorn and candy canes. But for pet owners, this is just asking for problems.

What sits beneath the tree should be of equal concern to pet owners. It's not uncommon for electrical cords to be viewed as chewable by animals. The results can be a burned mouth, electrical shock, or even electrocution. On the market is a liquid that can be sprayed on cords to make them less appealing, but pet owners should always unplug decorative lights when they're not there to supervise pets around a Christmas tree.

Gifts, too, should be made "pet proof" before being placed under a tree. Make sure to remove ribbons or bows from presents or place them out of reach, as a pet could swallow those items and end up with an intestinal obstruction requiring surgery to correct. Also be aware that batteries for toys or other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction in animals. It is best to keep batteries in a safe place until they are ready to be used.

And finally, when choosing holiday gifts for pets, purchase safe items with no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Also remember that healthy holiday treats are best, and administer those treats in moderation.

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