What to watch for: Pets that have ingested candy may show signs such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and even kidney failure or organ damage.

Wrappers

Why they’re dangerous: The candy itself isn’t the only threat. Ingestion of foil and cellophane wrappers can cause life-threatening bowel obstructions, which often require surgical intervention.

What to watch for: Symptoms in pets that have ingested candy wrappers include vomiting, decreased appetite, not defecating, straining to defecate, or lethargy.

Raisins

Why they’re dangerous: While good-intentioned neighbors may hand out raisins as a healthy alternative to candy, very small amounts of raisins (or grapes) can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. Some dogs develop idiosyncratic reactions at any dose—in other words, ingesting any amount can cause serious damage.

What to watch for: Pets that have ingested raisins may show signs like vomiting, nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and severe kidney failure.

Glow sticks

Why they’re dangerous: Pets love to chew on things they’re not supposed to, and cats in particular seem to love these items. Over the past year, 70 percent of Pet Poison Hotline’s calls relating to glow sticks and jewelry involved cats. In addition to the choking hazard, the contents of glow sticks can cause pain and irritation in the mouth.

What to watch for: Keep an eye out for mouth pain, as well as profuse drooling and foaming at the mouth.

Costumes

Why they’re dangerous: Your clients may love the costume, but does their pet? Some costumes can cause discomfort in pets, and any metallic beads, snaps, or other small pieces (particularly those made of zinc or lead) can result in serious poisoning if ingested. Finally, don’t ever dye or apply coloring to a pet’s fur, even if the dye is labeled non-toxic to humans.

What to watch for: If clients dress their pets in costumes, teach them to make sure it doesn’t impair the pets’ vision, movement, or air intake.

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Thanksgiving

 

Bones

 

Why they’re dangerous: Bones can break off and splinter causing them to perforate your pets esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The can also cause your pets teeth to fracture. 

 

What to watch for: It is important to be on the look out for blood in your pets stool or blood coming from there mouth, gagging, vomiting, and lethargy can all be signs that something is wrong. If you know your pet may have gotten a bone contact you veterinarian right away.

 

People Food

 

Why they’re dangerous: People foods like some of the ones list above can have very serious and life altering effects on your pets. Meats, beef chicken and turkey can all have areas of high fat. This fat can cause your pets to get pancreatitis.  Onions,and  Mac Nuts can also cause serious illness.

 

What to watch for: Symptoms of this life threatening illness can be vomiting, lethargy, painful abdomen, imbalance and anorexia.

 

 

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December Holidays

 

Tinsel and Ornaments

 

Why they’re dangerous: Tinsel and ornaments can become intestinal foreign bodies causing your pets to be com obstructed. Things like ornament hooks and ribbon are commonly ingested this time of year as are Tinsel and wrapping paper. Cats seem to have a particular interest in these things and can become ill very quickly. Glass ball ornaments can look like fun toys to your pet just ripe for the picking.

 

What to watch for: Symptoms that your pet may have ingested something can be vomiting , lethargy, painful abdomen, and anorexia. 

 

Plants 

 

Why they’re dangerous: Some plants can be highly toxic to your pets. Lilies, Poinsetta, certain Palms and White Oleander are often used in holiday arrangements. These plants are highly toxic and can cause your pet to die if not caught and treated quickly.

 

What to watch for: Seizures, lethargy, vomiting, excessive drinking, imbalance, coordination issues can all be associated with plant poisoning.

 

Fireworks- New years and Fourth of July

 

Why they’re dangerous: Loud noise can be very frieghtening to your pets. It can cause them to become disoriented and run away from home. When pets are frightened and they are out on their own they run the risks of getting hit by a car or biting someone out of fear.

 

What to watch for: Your veterinarian can prescription medication for your pet to help keep them calm. Make sure they are somewhere safe that they can't escape from, Make sure they feel secure, if you pet is crate trained this is the safest place for them during the festivities. Keep an eye that your guest don't let them out of there safe enclosure. Keep them on a leash at all times when they are out to maintain control should they become frightened.

 

Photo Credit: Holiday dogs Cheryl Anderson

*DISCLAIMER* Please note that the information provided here is not to be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. The information provided in the content on this website is for informational purposes only, always contact your veterinarian for medical advice.*