Prepare for Christmas Safety Hazards

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Christmas Safety Hazards

 

Alcoholic beverages: NEVER give your dog alcohol. Drunken dogs are very sick dogs. An ounce of a beverage that is 20 to 40 proof can cause alcohol poisoning or coma in a small dog, such as a Yorkshire Terrier. This goes for all other animals as well.

 

Angel hair: This is made from spun glass, it can irritate the skin, cause

cuts and damage the eyes. If is eaten it can cause intestinal blockage which can lead to death.

 

Artificial Snow, flocking: These are possibly poisonous, can cause

digestive upset or be a respiratory irritant if inhaled. Spray only the upper

corners of high windows.

 

Candles: Flame or dripping wax can burn dogs and cats or singe their

whiskers or hair. Also, they are a fire hazard if the pet knocks them

over. Save candles for the dining room table, and don't burn them near an

unattended pet.

 

Electric cable: Dogs and cats can be shocked, burned or electrocuted by

chewing on cable. It is safer to run cables through PVC piping, cover with

rugs or secure to the floor by placing behind or beneath heavy furniture.

 

Decorations: Glue, rubber bands, staples, string, tacks and tape can

cause mild pain, serious complications or death if swallowed. Store them

in a secure place. Discard used items when decorations are removed.

 

Fire/ fireplaces, including ashes, popping wood: These can cause

bronchial irritation, burns skin irritation and digestive distress. Keep a fire

screen in front of a fireplace while in use.

 

Food: Bones can cause choking, internal punctures, possibly death.

Chocolate can cause theobromine poisoning which is an overstimulation

of the nervous system, and may be fatal. Chocolate also causes vomiting,

diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. Fatty spice or sweet foods

lead to gastric upset, dehydration and pancreatitis. Burns and mouth or

throat ulcerations can result from hot food. Do not share your holiday

goodies with your pets. If you can't resist, give a healthy treat. Keep your

dog out of the dinning area and feed it its regular dinner while you eat. Do

not leave cooking food unattended or set hot dishes near edge of stove or

counter. Do not leave sweets or other snacks where your dog can reach

them.

 

Guests: They add to the noise, confusion and stress for your pet who will

be put out of its routine. Pets can be stepped on, or unsupervised

children can injure them. Pets can escape when visitors come and

go. Guests are more likely to feed your pets and 'just a little bite' adds up

to quite a lot of food. Always advise your guests not to feed your pets. If

your guests are uncomfortable around your dogs and cats, or if extra

activity causes your pet anxiety, board it for the holidays. Your cat and

dog should sleep in a regular spot, if it is where it will be distressed,

move the pet to a quiet place where it will be comfortable.

Decorative lights: Cats and dogs can become tangled in the strands,

leading to burns and cuts. They can creat the same hazards as electric

cables.

 

Costumes and dressing up: Never dress up cats and dogs that can

cause choking and strangulation.

 

Plants, holly, ivy, mistletoe and poinsettia: These plants range from

mildly upsetting to extremely toxic. If eaten they can cause

gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, coma,

central nervous system or cardiac problems or even death.

 

Gift wrapping: Ribbon, trim polystyrene foam packaging, wrapping foil and

paper are dangerous if eaten by your pet. Always wrap packages in an

area away from your pet. Collect and discard all the waste. Any wrapping

paper and supplies you are not using, put away. If you have any gifts for

your dog, use plain brown paper, wrap loosely and supervise unwrapping.

 

Live trees: Place the tree in a room away from the cat or dog. To stop the

tree from falling over, place a hook in the ceiling and use some nylon

yarn. Tie the top of the tree with the nylon and then secure this to the

ceiling. By using this system the tree cannot fall over.

 

Routine: So often this is forgotten during the busy holidays, but keeping

to your dog walking schedule will help keep your pets world consistent.

Many of our pets will have a difficult time adjusting to the increased

activity and many will suffer stress.

 

Your vet: Make certain you have the full details of how to contact your vet or the acting emergency vet during the holidays. A little foresight might help your pet survive a holiday accident.

 

By David The Dogman

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