Tinsel, Turkey & chocolate: Holiday Safety for Columbia pets

We make many preparations to ensure that our holiday experiences are filled with great memories with our family and friends. However, we often forget to consider our pets' safety since things that could harm them go unnoticed. It is wise to be aware of holiday items that can harm our pets and ways we can keep them safe. 

 

Here are some of the things you should check.

 

Tinsel

Tinsel is often used as the main decorative item for any holiday occasion, and pets love to play with it since it produces a pleasing sound when moved and has an attractive shiny appearance. As harmless as it may appear, tinsel is not digestible when ingested and can cause blockages in your pet's digestive system. 

Turkey

Turkey poses a greater risk to dogs than other poultry because it is high in protein and fat. Turkey bones are brittle and can splinter easily, causing severe damage to your dog’s esophagus, stomach and intestines. The fat in turkey skin does not get digested well and can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. This is noticeable in vomiting and severe abdominal pain.

Chocolate 

While chocolate may be a tasty treat for us, it's dangerous to give our pets. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is hard on dogs' digestive systems. Accordingly, even small amounts of chocolate can harm your pet. When digested by dogs and cats, it can result in pancreatitis.

Within hours of ingesting chocolate, you can notice signs of Vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and restlessness. When you see your pet having these symptoms, seek medical assistance. 

 

How Do You Keep Your Pets Healthy During The Holidays?

Although giving your pet a bite of dinner is tempting, you should be wary of sharing food with them. You may not know which foods are harmful to pets and could cause severe illness or even death if eaten by mistake. The following tips will help you keep your pets safe and healthy during the holiday season:

 

Consult Your Vet

There are many foods that you shouldn’t share with your pets. To be on the safe side and avoid any emergency hospital visits during the holidays, it’s important to consult with a vet first. They can tell you which foods are safe for your pet to eat and which aren’t.

 

Inform Your Family About Pet Food

Since your furry friend will be around your family and friends, the first step is to ensure that people around your pet know which food items are toxic to pets. Informing your family will reduce the possibility of your pet consuming harmful foods. 

 

Tidy Up

Holiday decorations can be hazardous to pets. Decorations such as tinsel need to be kept high enough from pets to prevent them from eating it. Other ornaments, such as Christmas balls, must be secured tightly on the tree to prevent them from dropping whenever your pet tries to pull them down. 

If you are using a real tree for Christmas, ensure that it is securely mounted and that the water reservoir is covered to prevent your furry friend from drinking the tree water, which could contain hazardous chemicals or bacteria. 

 

Midlands Veterinary Practice Will Provide Gold Standard Care For Your Pet This Festive Season

Midlands Veterinary Practice is a full-service veterinary hospital that offers pet owners an array of services to ensure their beloved companion receives gold-standard care. Whether your pet needs routine vaccines or urgent medical attention, you can rely on the compassionate and experienced team to provide excellent care this holiday season.

Call us at 803- 681-2706 if you are concerned about something your pet ingested.