As the holidays approach and people fill their homes with lights, ornaments, and festive scents to bring families together in celebration, pet owners must ensure their furry friends stay safe.
Christmas trees, holiday plants, decorations, candles, essential oils, and even gift packages pose hazards. But with care, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your pets safe.
Dr. Kate Smith, medical director for Animal Urgent Care in Arvada, urges pet owners to keep candy canes and chocolates out of their dogs’ reach. “Dogs can sniff them out even if they are under the tree and nicely wrapped,” she said.
Excessive sugar in candy canes can cause pancreas inflammation. Eating candy wrappers can cause potential choking hazards. Sugar-free candy canes, especially if made with Xylitol, are toxic since eating even a tiny amount can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or even death.
Dr. Kramer Gopffarth, lead and founding veterinarian at Livewell Animal Hospital in Denver, said dogs can chew packages and eat wrapping paper or batteries. That poses a choking hazard; if your dog swallows a battery, it can lead to intestinal obstruction. Even more hazardous, stomach acid can cause the battery to start to break down, leading to stomach burns.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Anchor the tree to prevent tipping
One of the primary safety concerns with Christmas trees is the risk of tipping over.
A top-heavy tree can easily fall if improperly secured, posing a danger to anyone nearby, especially dogs or cats.
Anchor the tree using a sturdy tree stand designed for your tree size.
Consider adding safety measures such as tie-downs or clips that attach the tree to a wall for extra stability.
This simple precaution can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries to dogs or cats.
Cover tree water
Preservatives and chemicals that may leach into tree water can be toxic. Standing water also can become stagnant and allow bacteria to develop.
Drinking that water can cause vomiting or diarrhea for both cats and dogs. Drinking a little Christmas tree water shouldn’t be dangerous, but it’s better to keep the water covered to prevent potential stomach upset, Gopffarth said.
Cover the water container securely with a lid, or use a decorative tree skirt to cover the base.
Prevent ingesting ornaments and tinsel
Ornaments and tinsel can be hazardous. Small ornaments can pose a choking hazard for curious dogs and cats.
Smith said cats like shiny, sparkly things and will be attracted to long strands of tinsel or ornaments hanging on long strings.
If they eat them, “we worry about them getting stuck or anchored, which can create life-threatening bunching of the intestines.”
Consider using shatterproof ornaments to reduce the risk of injury from broken glass.
Tinsel and string used to hang ornaments can be especially hazardous if curious cats eat them and cause a digestive blockage. Keep ornaments and tinsel out of reach.
Devon Toczek, vet assistant at Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital in Centennial, it’s risky for both dogs and cats to eat small ornaments.
“They think it’s a chew toy and will end up swallowing it.”
Electric cord chewing danger
Chewing electric cords can cause shock, burns, and, in extreme cases, electrocution for cats and dogs.
If you suspect your pet has been shocked, check for burns and watch for signs of fluid buildup in the lungs, such as coughing or trouble breathing, Smith said.
To prevent this, keep cords neatly tucked away and out of reach, using cord covers or clips to secure them against walls or furniture.
Use battery-operated lights or leave the cord unplugged to eliminate the risk of electric shock. To prevent chewing, spray it with a taste deterrent, such as a bitter apple or spicy-hot spray. Always inspect lights for frayed wires and replace any damaged cords immediately.
Holiday plants
Beware of toxic holiday plants and learn how to recognize poison warning signs so you know what to do if your pets eat them.
- Holly: Berries can be toxic to dogs and cats.
- Mistletoe: Both berries and leaves are toxic.
- Poinsettia: Ingestion can cause mild irritation to the mouth and stomach.
- Amaryllis: The bulb is particularly toxic, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
- Christmas cactus: Though less toxic, it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Lily: Certain types, particularly the Easter lily, are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.
Poison warning signs
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these plants, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
What to do if pets eat toxic plants
- Stay calm: Assess the situation without panicking.
- Identify the plant: If possible, determine which plant was ingested and how much.
- Call poison control: Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The poison control center is the best resource for an animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call if you fear your pet may have eaten a potentially poisonous substance. A consultation fee may apply.
- Call your veterinarian: Contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately for advice.
- Follow instructions: Depending on the situation, the poison control center or your vet may suggest monitoring your pet at home or bringing it in for treatment.
- Keep records: Note when the ingestion happened and any symptoms you observe; this information can be vital for your vet.
Gopffarth recommends first calling the ASPCA animal control center to consult a toxicologist trained to handle these situations.
Toczek agreed and said the poison control expert could recommend bringing your pet to your vet or an emergency vet. Poison control will also start a poison report that will help your vet.
She also cautions not to induce vomiting after your pet eats something hazardous.
“That can cause more damage by causing scarring or lesions.”
Burning candle risks
Paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct used in scented candles, can release harmful toxins like benzene and toluene when burned. These toxins may harm pets’ respiratory health, leading to allergies or worsening pre-existing conditions.
Pet owners should never leave dogs and cats alone unsupervised with burning candles.
Curious pets can tip over candles, causing burns to themselves or igniting nearby flammable items. Hot wax can also injure pets and pose a toxicity risk if ingested.
“Cats are curious, and you can easily end up with burned noses or whiskers or they can knock the candles over,” Gopffarth said. “You need to be cognizant of the danger and never leave burning candles unsupervised.”
Essential oils
Essential oils can be toxic to pets, leading to health problems when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
“It can be hard to know which essential oils can be safe for pets, so it may be best to consider they are not particularly pet friendly,” Toczek said.
Some particularly harmful oils include:
- Tea Tree oil: Causes lethargy, tremors, and ataxia.
- Peppermint oil: May lead to gastrointestinal upset and respiratory issues.
- Cinnamon oil: Can trigger irritation and allergic reactions.
- Eucalyptus oil: May cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Lemon oil: May cause vomiting and skin irritation.
Safety tips
- Avoid diffusing oils around pets.
- Always dilute oils and consult a veterinarian.
- Use products specifically formulated for pets.
- Educate family and friends about the risks.
In case of exposure
- Remove your pet from the area.
- Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
- Monitor your pet for symptoms and share observations with your vet.
Consider pet-safe holiday decorations
Here are some pet-safe decoration alternatives that can help you celebrate without worry:
Natural decorations
- Fresh pine cones: Use untreated pine cones or branches as holiday decor. Ensure they are free from mold and chemicals.
- Dried fruit ornaments: Create decorations with slices of dried apples, oranges, or cranberries, which are safe for pets if ingested.
- Bamboo or natural fiber garlands: Opt for garlands made from natural materials instead of tinsel or plastic ones, which are less likely to cause harm if chewed.
Shatterproof ornaments
Choose shatterproof ornaments made from non-toxic materials. These are safer options that won’t break easily and cause injury to curious pets.
LED string lights
Consider using LED string lights, which are cooler to the touch and less likely to cause burns if a curious pet gets too close. Place cords safely to prevent chewing.
Pet-friendly fabric decorations
Use fabric decorations made from natural, non-toxic materials. Avoid synthetic fabrics that may cause choking hazards if torn apart.
Holiday-themed pet toys
Incorporate festive toys specifically designed for pets. Many come in holiday shapes and safe materials for chewing and playing.
Artificial trees
If using an artificial tree, ensure it is stable and secure.
Pet-safe candles
Instead of traditional scented candles, use pet-safe, flameless LED candles that provide a cozy glow without the risk of fire or toxins.
Sara Hansen is a Denver-based freelance writer.