We have been asked about hazards for your pet during the holiday seasons. We asked Dr. Melissa Jackson, Countryside Animal Clinic to assist us with information. Dr. Jackson says: The winter holidays are special times for families and pets. Unfortunately, some of the things that make the holidays so special can be hazardous. Plants, treats and holiday decorations are all potentially harmful to our canine and feline friends. This article is meant to help inform you of a few potentially harmful things traditionally associated with this joyous time of year.

• CHOCOLATE - Did you know that chocolate can be poisonous to animals in sufficient quantities? Actually, it is the drugs in chocolate, Theo bromine and caffeine, that are toxic to our pets. Even small amounts of Theo bromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination and restlessness in pets. Larger doses can be fatal. The lethal dose of Theo bromine depends on your pet's size and the type of chocolate consumed. Ounce for ounce, baking chocolate has six to nine times as much of the drug as milk chocolate does.
  
  While chocolate is toxic to cats as well, they tend to have different eating habits and are seldom poisoned by chocolate. If an accident occurs, consult a vet immediately. Treatment may require inducing vomiting, stabilizing the animal's heart rate and respiration, controlling seizures or slowing the absorption of Theo bromine. If the animal is already comatose, its stomach may need to be pumped. So play it safe. Avoid giving chocolate to pets at all.
  
• HOLIDAY PLANTS
  Poinsettias: Poinsettias, crown-of-thorns, candelabra cactus and pencil tree are all members of the Euphorbia genus. These plants produce a milky caustic sap, which is extremely irritating to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract. Immediately after exposure, animals experience pain, swelling and burning in the mouth and esophagus. The animal will vomit, have diarrhea and in severe cases suffer collapse and shock. Skin blistering and conjunctivitis (sometimes even temporary blindness) can occur after skin or ocular exposure. Animals should receive immediate veterinary attention if they ingest these plants.
  Pine Needles: Ingested pine needles can puncture your pet's intestines if sharp enough. It is a good idea to check around holiday trees and other decorations frequently and remove loose needles.
  Holly Berries: The attractive red color of holly berries makes them enticing to pets. Holly berries can cause gastrointestinal upset, including anorexia, vomiting or diarrhea.
  Mistletoe: Mistletoe (especially the berries) is highly toxic to cats and dogs when ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal upset, neurologic signs or shock.
  Christmas Tree Preservatives: The content and toxicity of Christmas tree preservatives varies and often depends upon the amount ingested. They can often cause gastric upsets, so be sure it is inaccessible to pets or not used at all. Avoid sugar and aspirin additives in the water as well.
  
• HOLIDAY MEALS AND DECORATIONS - Some of the more common holiday hazards include:
  Bones : The holiday turkey, chicken or ham bones may be tantalizing, but don't feed them to your pet. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach and intestinal tract. Be wary of steak and fish bones as well.
  Fat: High fat foods can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Pancreatitis is often induced by fatty meals and is associated with anorexia, life-threatening vomiting and a painful abdomen.
  Electrical Cords: Holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Be sure to have cords secured and out of the way. Frayed light cords can cause serious shock or burns.
  Candles: Lighted candles should never be left unattended. An exuberant tail, a swat of paw and candles and hot wax can quickly become disastrous. Anchor candles securely and away from curious faces and feet.
  Holiday Trees: Make sure your tree is well secured. Tree-climbing cats and large dogs with happy tails can quickly topple holiday trees. Anchor the top of the tree to the wall using strong cord or rope. Sharp or breakable ornaments, derides and even aluminum foil should be kept out of reach. String objects, especially tinsel and ribbons should either not be used or be safeguarded at all times. They are thin and sharp and can wrap around intestines, perforate or ball up in the stomach.

A special thanks goes to Dr. Melissa Jackson, Countryside Animal Clinic for her assistance in reporting this important information.

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