All the lovely things we bring out to celebrate the holidays—tinsel, chocolate, holly, egg nog, poinsettias –a list that goes on forever, turn out to be not so lovely for our pets. In fact, many are extremely dangerous.
Dr. Lisa Olsen, an emergency veterinarian at Iowa Veterinarian Specialties, says that vets are usually very busy this time of year.
“We see more than a fair share of problems related to food in an emergency clinic during the holidays,” she says. “Sugar-free sweeteners can be an overlooked, yet dangerous hazard for our pets.”
Our furry friends can be easily distracted by the hustle and bustle of holiday food and festivities, and admittedly as we gear up for the busiest time of the year, it’s easy for us to lose focus on their welfare. So we actually need to be doubly alert during the holidays in regards to our pet’s mischief and curiosity. Watch the floor to be sure it doesn’t hold a danger for little Punkin. “Think of it as Toddler-proofing,” advises our vet.
Keep the family warned that holiday foods are not appropriate “treats” and holiday decoration are not safe “toys”
Post a danger list on the fridge:
- Tinsel
- String
- Ornaments
- Tree Needles
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettias
- Lilies
- Holly
- Raisins/Nuts
Make sure to reference the ASPCA poison control site, if you want to view an extensive list…
Think two or three times before giving a pet as a “gift” this season – we believe pets are family, not presents but rather a privilege to love!!
Toledo, United States.
