HK Animal Hospital Newsletter
Holiday Season Pet Hazards
The holiday season festivities also bring with them plenty of pet hazards all year long. We want to share some tips to help keep the holidays safe and fun for everyone.
Hazard High Points: Chocolate, Glowsticks, Loud Noises/Bright Lights, Table Scraps, Ribbons/Ornaments
- 1. Chocolate: As sweet and harmless as chocolate may seem to us, it’s actually quite poisonous to our pets. Depending on the type and amount ingested, chocolate can cause acute symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea to more serious symptoms such as hyperactivity, panting, seizures, and even death in some cases! Though chocolate is the biggest contender for holiday sweet risks, avoid giving any and all candies to your pets.
- 2. Glowsticks: Though glowsticks and glow-in-the-dark jewelry aren’t necessarily poisonous, still be wary of letting your pets play with them. If ingested, the bitter-tasting liquid inside can cause your pet to drool excessively.
- 3. Loud Noises/Bright Lights: Between trick-or-treaters, fireworks, and large gatherings of family and friends, your pets may become very stressed from all the excitement! Always be aware of how your pets are reacting to the noise and bright lights during the holidays and give them a quiet and safe place if they seem scared or stressed out.
- 4. Table Scraps: Waste-not, Want-not… except if it means feeding our scraps to our pets! A little holiday ham is OK, but too many table scraps may cause indigestion, vomiting, and obesity. Also, keep in mind that some of the ingredients we use when we cook might be tasty to us, but may be toxic to our furry friends.
- 5. Ribbons/Ornaments: Keep track of your ornaments and ribbons/wrappers! Your pets may be just as attracted to all the shiny, sparkly, and twirly objects that they see only once a year, and may accidentally eat them while they play with them.
If your pet has encountered any of the situations above, please contact HK Animal Hospital immediately.
Referred by ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center educational brochure.
