The holidays are over, but in many homes the decorations linger.
We leave our Christmas tree up until New Year’s Day, but friends of ours leave theirs up until Epiphany, or Little Christmas. Plants, candles and decorations still adorn tabletops.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, some of these holiday items could pose a hazard for our pets.
1. Bubble Lights
These old fashioned looking decorations give a nostalgic look to the tree, but the liquid inside should be kept away from pets.
Methylene chloride can cause aspiration pneumonia and irritation to the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.
If you should break a bubble light when taking it off the tree and packing it up, be sure to keep your pet away and clean up the liquid promptly.
2. Lilies, Holly and Mistletoe
Holiday bouquets containing lilies are dangerous for cats.
Dr. Ahna Brutlag, assistant direct of Pet Poison Helpline, says, “The ingestion of one to two leaves or flower petals is enough to cause sudden kidney failure in cats.”
Holly berries and mistletoe can also be toxic to pets if ingested.
3. Sugarless Candy
Xylitol, a sweetener used in many sugarless gums and candy, is toxic to dogs. It causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
4. Liquid Potpourri
The holiday scents of evergreen and cinnamon are tempting when heating up scented oils, but keep the oil burners away from your cat. Even a few licks can result in severe chemical burns in the mouth, difficulty breathing, and tremors.
5. Fruitcake
If you received a fruitcake as a gift, be careful where the crumbs fall. A nibble of the bread won’t hurt your pets, but the grapes, raisins and currants can make cats and dogs ill.
For more information, contact the Pet Poison Helpline. Knowing what items are safe and unsafe, and keeping toxins out of reach, will help keep your kitties purring and your pups wagging all year long.
Here’s to a healthy, safe and very happy new year to you and your pets!
