Keep Pets Safe, Happy for the Holidays

An increase in food, decorations and parties during the holiday season also increases accident risks – here is how to keep your pets out of harm’s way

By Sharon L. Peters
CTW Features

The end-of-the-year holiday season – parties, celebration, family visits and groaning-boards of food crammed into the weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve – can be rough, even dangerous for pets.

Everything from different foods in the house, to candles, decorations and snaking electrical cords put animals at risk. Many vets and animal ERs report they see a spike in animal intestinal distress, injuries from accidents, ingestions of potentially life-threatening substances and dog-bites-dog cases from visiting-animal altercations.

Some of the dangers are fairly well-known but even such obvious risks as tails swatting candles must be kept constantly in mind, experts say.

Other potential perils are less well known. For example:

– Dogs that snack on macadamia nuts can develop profound rear-leg paralysis in 24 to 48 hours. Their owners, unaware of the phenomenon, assume the dog has had a massive stroke and have them euthanized. In fact, the condition resolves itself in two days and the dog walks normally again, according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

– Dishes of liquid potpouri can be fatal to cats that sample from them

– The water in Christmas-tree stands quickly grows bacteria and may also contain traces of the fire-retardant or preservatives. Pets often drink from those stands, often with severe reactions; the toxic liquid can be especially harmful to cats. You can buy a cover for the stand, or rig up one. Just make sure your dog or cat can’t pry into it.

The list goes on and on. Forthwith: a primer on keeping dogs, cats and other housebound pets safe, compiled with assistance from Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant (www.thecatcoach.com) from California who’s an expert for thecatchannel.com, and Darlene Arden, a Boston-area certified dog behavior consultant and author of several books on dogs (www.darlenearden.com)

– Even the most sociable pets can come unglued when people descend for a big dinner or party. Close pets into a room so they can’t escape through open doors or get too close to candles or sample food. Visitors can enter the room to say hello to them, but monitor those interactions each time, since the pets are probably already somewhat stressed, and may react uncharacteristically, especially to strangers and children.

– Don’t feed pets foods they don’t ordinarily eat. A big chunk of turkey skin for the cat (way too fatty) or prime rib gravy over the dog’s food (same thing) will probably generate gastro turmoil that could require medical treatment.

– Pets often find ornaments and decorations fascinating and can get into trouble chewing on them. Cords to the tree lights can also be dangerous, especially to chew-happy kittens and puppies (and bunnies and ferrets) so figure out a supply route that minimizes the risk. And use only pet-safe ornaments low on the tree.

There are some things that may be particular issues with cats and some with dogs (but some dogs may get into trouble with the cat-specific risks and vice versa, so read both of the following lists even if you have only one or the other).

First, cats tips, from Krieger:

– Let the cat get used to the tree before it’s decorated. And spray it with pet repellant. You can buy a commercial spray like bitter, or mix some lemon juice with water and spray that. Reapply every couple of days.

– Secure the tree, just in case. You can attach it to the ceiling or to the wall.

– Many plants are dangerous for cats. Devoted cat owners often take the artificial-greenery route instead. Pine, holly, mistletoe, kalanchoe and poinsettias can cause intestinal distress; sometimes plant ingestions are fatal.

– Tinsel can be lethal to cats, as it can cut intestines if swallowed. Other risks to cats: foam, angel hair, mylar. Keep them out of the house or use only in places where Kitty can’t climb (if there is such a place).

– Ribbons are interesting chew snacks for cats, and can cause gastro abrasions or blockages.

And here are some special concerns for dog owners from Arden:

– Don’t give him the bones from the standing rib or any other holiday roast. “That’s a really quick way to wind up with a dead dog,” because of punctures or blockages they can cause, says Arden.

– Be vigilant about foods brought into the house. Put it up where the dog can’t get at it, and if people bring or send you something gift-wrapped, place it up high in case it contains chocolate or raisins (which can be fatal). “Don’t under-estimate a dog’s ability to counter-surf, even a small dog,” Arden warns.

– Keep the garbage sealed or outside the areas to which the dog has access. The delectability quotient of trash increases substantially with holiday fare.

– Even the most dog- and cat-friendly dog may behave poorly around unfamiliar animals, in stressful conditions, or when there’s food around. Monitor them.

– Same’s true with kids. “Marauding children who aren’t familiar with how to behave around pets can run, yell, pull tails or poke fingers and do other things no reasonable dog can understand” Arden says. Dogs may snap or bite. Further, tiny crawling infants make noises and moves that can prompt some dogs into a prey response. So never leave dogs alone with babies or young children.

– Tell guests to keep their suitcases closed and purses up high at all times so curious dogs can’t get into medicines or other items that could be harmful.

What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, training and loving your pet. E-mail Sharon@Pets2008.com.

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