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Holidays Can Be Hazardous
Holiday decorations may make your home festive, but they can pose a danger to your companion animals. Remember that decorations at your animals' eye level are especially dangerous.
- Electric wires on trees and decorations can electrocute animals if they chew on them and could cause a fire
- Tree ornaments and toys can cause intestinal blockage and injury if swallowed
- Glass ornaments break easily if batted off the tree and can injure paws or be swallowed
- Gift wrapping, ribbons and tinsel can become impacted in the intestine if swallowed and can cause choking
- Candles can cause burns and even cause a fire
- Holiday plants such as Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettias can be toxic
- Chicken and turkey bones can splinter and become lodged in throats
- Chocolate can be deadly, even in small amounts. Be especially careful with dark and baking chocolates
- Aluminum foil wrap should be discarded immediately. If covered with grease it will be very appealing to your pet but foil can become impacted in the intestine if swallowed
- Fatty and greasy food can cause acute pancreatitis
Also remember that an influx of visitors can be stressful for your animal friends. Consider keeping your pets in a quiet part of the house while you entertain.
Be sure not to let your furry friends escape through an open door as visitors come and go. Place a sign on both sides of your front door, or keep your animals in a secure part of the house.
If you are considering giving a pet as a gift, wrap a "coupon" to be used at your local humane society after the hectic holiday season is over.
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