For pets, Christmas is the most treacherous time of the year
Q: We are trying to decide whether to put tinsel on our Christmas tree this year. Our cat loves to eat tinsel and we always assumed this was fairly safe (like eating grass). However, I read recently that tinsel could be dangerous to small pets, especially cats, if ingested. I also remember reading an article last year that said tinsel was harmless! What are the facts? Is tinsel dangerous or harmless?
A: Your confusion is understandable because, up until a few years ago, tinsel was thought to be harmless if ingested. The facts, according to most experts and the ASP-CA, are that tinsel, along with ribbons, string and yarn, can cause intestinal problems, including vomiting, intestinal blockage and constipation. Tinsel in particular can be dangerous because cats and kittens find it very appealing and love to play with it. The common wisdom is that you should try to keep tinsel, string, yarn and ribbons away from all pets.
Tinsel is not the only hazard pets can encounter during the holiday season. By far, the great majority of holiday hazards involve some sort of inappropriate ingestion; ie, pets eating or swallowing things they should not. The most common digestive upsets encountered in dogs are either due to overeating or a change in diet such as an inappropriate treat or table scraps.
To prevent problems during the holiday season, it is best to simply avoid feeding anything that your pet is not accustomed to eating. Avoid turkey or ham bones, which can cause gastro-intestinal upsets and obstructions. Also avoid nuts of all kinds, since they can cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed whole. Macadamia nuts are especially toxic.
Accidental chocolate ingestion, especially in dogs, is a common reason for emergency visits during the holidays. Chocolate should not be fed to pets because it contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats if fed to excess.
Milk chocolate is the least toxic, while baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most toxic, with baking chocolate having about 10 times more theobromine than ordinary milk chocolate.
Poinsettias have had a long and controversial history of being considered poisonous to humans and pets. This belief found its roots in a news story published several decades ago that incorrectly reported that a child had died after ingesting some poinsettia leaves. This misinformation has managed to persist over the years. Poinsettias can cause irritations in the mouth or stomach if enough leaves are ingested, but they are not poisonous. By contrast, mistletoe and holly are very poisonous and can be fatal if ingested.
Decorative lights and electric cords also pose a hazard.
It is a good idea to routinely examine both indoor and outdoor lights and cords to check for bite marks, loose or frayed wires, or evidence of a potential short circuit.
Any small objects such as tree ornaments and toy parts can be easily swallowed by pets and cause intestinal problems.
By taking basic commonsense precautions and keeping a watchful eye, most pets (and pet owners) can enjoy a trouble-free holiday season.
Dr. Bernhard Pukay is an Ottawa veterinarian. Address letters to Pet Care, Ottawa Citizen, PO Box 5020, Ottawa K2C 3M4. Email: pets@ottawacitizen.com
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