We can never be too careful; the holidays often bring extra concerns for our pets. The following information is a list of poisonous Holiday plants and various pet safety tips.
Mistletoe and Holly
Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea and depression.
Poinsettia Plant
Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Clinical Signs: Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.
Lilies
Highly toxic to Cats
Clinical Signs: kidney failure.
Winter Hazards for Pets
Winter brings cooler temperatures, holidays and seasonal hazards. Listed below are a few examples of potentially hazardous items that pets might encounter during this time.
Low Toxicity: (may cause gastrointestinal upset, but unlikely to cause serious problems unless very large amounts are ingested)
• Christmas tree preservatives (stale water in tree stands can harbor bacteria)
• Poinsettias
• Holly
• Canned “snow”
Moderate toxicity: (may cause significant signs beyond mild gastrointestinal upset)
• Mistletoe (species-dependent)
• Ice melting products
• Liquid potpourri
• Batteries
High toxicity: (potential for very serious or life-threatening signs)
• Antifreeze/coolants
• Chocolate
• Rising bread dough (yeast produce ethanol, rising dough can produce bloat and foreign body)
• Sugar substitute xylitol used in homemade baking goods and holiday treats can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure
• Human medications (cold and flu medications, decongestants)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Homemade “play-dough” (high sodium content)
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control.aspx
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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