Holiday Hazards for Pets

There are many holiday related dangers with tinsel, lights, plants, etc.
Many holiday plants including poinsettias, holly and mistletoe are toxic or poisonous. Pine needles and rosin can kill cats and dogs, although dogs usually just get  very sick. Cats, of course, are more sensitive.

It can be swallowed whole or in bits and pieces which can cause choking. Pine needles can tear intestinal lining, cause intestinal damage or obstruction, pine resin may cause kidney failure, mouth irritation, stomach irritation, fir tree oils are irritants.

Holiday  Heads-up!
Christmas trees are pine trees of some variety.  There are several problems for pets and small children regarding pine ​

IMAGE COURTESY OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

trees. What is done with the trees in marketing them is also a problem. Live trees are treated with pesticides, fertilizers and preservatives or/and dye. The preservative or aspirin used in the water can be dangerous to small children or thirsty pets.  

Artificial trees are  treated with flame retardants. This tastes sweet but is hazardous to small children and any pet that might chew on a tree limb. Put sugar in the water as a preservative! Use a covered water dish. Put up a pen around the tree area.
​

Signs of Poisoning:   

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Excitement
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Nausea​
• Coughing/Vomiting Blood

​

​

• Pale Gums
• ​Lethargy
• Accelerated Heartbeat
• Not Eating
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive/Little Urination
• Collapse
• Extreme bad breath
• Pine Needles in Poo.   ​

​Call your vet if your pet shows any of these signs immediately or the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at 1(800)213-6680  
​
Prevention:  
Put a gate around your tree.  It is a very good preventative and  protective  election or pets and small children it.  This is written with cats and dogs in mind but small children are included as with drinking  out of the tree water bowl in reference to cats and dogs.  Regularly pick up fallen pine needles and any reachable foreign matter.
 
~In Memory of Zaney~

References:
“Know the Signs of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats.” Pet Poison Helpline, 3 Mar. 2020, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/signs-of-poisoning-in-dogs-and-cats/.

“Make a Happy Home for Your Pets.” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 24 May 2019, https://www.thesprucepets.com/.

Valeris, Amanda Garrity and Monique. “Impress Guests with These Picture-Perfect Christmas Tree Looks.” Good Housekeeping, Good Housekeeping, 17 Dec. 2021, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2707/decorated-christmas-trees/.