Winter Pet Hazards

Here are some tips for keeping your furry loved ones safe during the festive season!

Foods to Avoid

• Alcoholic beverages

• Chocolate

• Coffee of any kind

• Onions and onion powder

• Fatty and greasy foods

• Yeast dough

Plant Ingestion and Symptoms

• Lilies (Tiger, East, Casa Blanca, ect.)

  • This causes kidney failure in cats.

• Poinsettias

  • This is irritating to the mouth and stomach, and causes nausea.

• Mistletoe

  • Ingestion of this will cause digestive tract issues, and may create problems within the cardiac system.

• Holly

  • Holly will produce lethargy, diarrhea, and nausea.

What to Avoid with Trees

• Christmas Tree Water

  • This is a good host for bacteria and may contain fertilizers.

• Electrical Cords

  • If chewed on, these cords hanging from you tree may electrocute your playful pets.

• Tinsel and Ribbons

  • These are commonly ingested while pets are at play, and will block the intestinal tract.

• Batteries

  • Corrosive batteries will cause ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and intestinal tract.

• Glass Ornaments

  • These may shred apart and, when eaten, will cut the mouth, tongue, and intestinal tract.

• Liquid Potpourris

  • Can be toxic, and will likely cause severe damage in the mouth, eyes, and skin.

Outside Hazards

• Antifreeze

  • This is extremely lethal, but tastes very sweet to pets.

• Salt and Ice Melting Products

  • Depending on the product, these can be irritating to the skin and mouth.