Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates' Guide to Holiday Pet Poisons
The holiday season is a time
for celebration but also brings new risks to your pets. From festive decorations to seasonal foods, many items commonly found in our homes during the holidays can be toxic to dogs and cats. At Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates, we want to help pet owners stay informed and keep their furry friends safe. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common household toxins and poisons that are more prevalent during the holiday season, including toxic foods, plants, and decorations, so you can enjoy the festivities without worry. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers lurking in your home this holiday season and the potential side effects of these poisonous items.
Foods:
- Onions- lethargy, collapse, vomiting, and death.
- Alcohol- vomiting, increased heart rate, weakness, and collapse
- Grapes- vomiting, kidney failure, and death
- Raisins- vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, and death
- Fruit Cake- diarrhea, vomiting, kidney failure, and death
- Chocolate- vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and heart issues
- Fatty Foods- vomiting, high cholesterol, diarrhea, and pancreatitis
- Gum and Candy (Please check if this item has xylitol as a sweetener)- low blood sugar, collapse, liver failure, and seizure.
- Diary Products- diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and vomiting
- Cookie Dough- stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, food poisoning
- Avocado- vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and pancreatitis
- Nuts- vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis
Plants:
- Poinsettia- vomiting, drooling and diarrhea
- Japanese Yew- dizziness, abnormal heart rate, coma and death
- Lily- kidney failure and death
- Mistletoe- diarrhea, hypotension, and difficulty walking
- Tree Water (while not a plant, it is important to note when you have a real Christmas tree in your home) - vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling
Decor and household items:
- Ornaments- Esophagus damage and elevated sodium levels
- Tinsel- linear foreign body, and this also can wrap around their tongue
- Candles- burns, asthma, and respiratory issues
- Essential Oils- chemical burns in the mouth, fever, and difficulty breathing
- Christmas lights- electric shock, mouth burns, and choking hazard
- Metallic Wrapping Paper- metal poisoning and choking hazard
- Snow Globes- vomiting and kidney failure
- Ice Melt (non-pet safe)- chemical burns, muscle twitching, and seizures
By staying informed about the common holiday toxins and poisons that can harm your pets, you can create a safer environment for your furry companions. Our practice is dedicated to helping you protect your pets during this festive time of year. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced veterinarians is here to provide care and guidance. Keep your pets safe, and enjoy a joyful, worry-free holiday season with your beloved companions.