2005 Year in Review

Keep Holiday Poisons Away From Your Pet

Source: Dr. Petra Volmer, Veterinary Extension/Office of Public Engagement; Uniiversity of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 217/333-2907

An archive of pet columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is on the Web at Pet Columns.

Some of the trappings associated with holiday celebrations--decorations, food, drink, and gifts--can pose toxic hazards to pets. Foods that we may presume are harmless, such as nuts and chocolate, can be very toxic to pets. Objects that don't seem all that appetizing to a human may be very attractive to a pet with an indiscriminate palate.

Dr. Petra Volmer, toxicologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, says many decorative plants popular this time of year cause gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including vomiting and diarrhea.

"Poinsettia plants are really not as toxic as many people believe," explains Dr. Volmer. "Following ingestion we tend to see mild gastrointestinal upset that usually resolves on its own."

Other plants can cause GI irritation through mechanical, rather than chemical, means. Plants with sharp pointy leaves, such as holly and pines, can irritate the mouth, esophagus, and stomach when ingested.

Mistletoe can cause GI upset as well, but also has the potential to produce more serious problems by interfering with heart contractions and causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure, although these effects are rare.

Christmas tree preservatives often contain sugar, making them attractive to pets. Potentially dangerous compounds such as terpenes can leach from the tree stump into the water, so it's important to keep the pan covered or otherwise out of pets' reach.

Other decorations that can be toxic to pets include ornaments made out of homemade play-dough, which can be mistaken by a dog as a cookie. "Unlike the commercially available Play-DohÂ, homemade play dough usually contains large amounts of salt," says Dr. Volmer. Ingestion of excess sodium can cause GI upset, and high doses can cause life-threatening brain swelling, which may initially present in a pet as disorientation, wandering, and confusion.

Tinsel is very shiny and attractive to cats, and although it is usually not poisonous, it poses a serious risk if swallowed. The long strands act as linear foreign bodies and can get stuck in the intestines, requiring complex surgery.

The dinner table also harbors many potential poisons for pets. Chocolate is most dangerous when it's concentrated, as in dark chocolate or baker's chocolate. Provided the opportunity, dogs may quickly consume large quantities. Chocolate acts as a stimulant and in high doses can case tremors, seizures, and death.

Only a few grams of macadamia nuts per pound of body weight can cause weakness, tremors, and a transient paralysis in dogs. Pets that ingest these should see a veterinarian.

Ingestion of grapes and raisins by dogs has been associated with acute kidney failure. Garlic, onions, and leeks contain a chemical compound that can damage blood cells in pets if a sufficient quantity is ingested. Foods containing large amounts of these ingredients should be kept away from pets.

Spent hops from home brewing can be fatal to dogs. The processed hops may smell savory to a dog, and if ingested can cause a life-threatening rise in body temperature. Any dog that gets into hops needs immediate veterinary care.

Unbaked bread dough can also smell inviting to a pet, and if ingested it can expand in the stomach, causing obstruction and severe pain. Ethanol produced from fermentation of the yeast in the dough can be absorbed, causing the animal to become depressed, or what we humans call "drunk."

Alcoholic beverages are common during the holidays, and pets may be inclined to taste an unattended beverage. Ethanol produces similar effects in pets and humans.

Fatty foods or overindulgence can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Some of the most hazardous of all holiday toxins can be found in the gifts. Household batteries are plentiful during the holidays and come in all shapes and sizes. Small batteries can be ingested, and the very small ones (button batteries), like the ones found in watches, can actually be inhaled.

When a battery gets lodged inside a moist part of the body, such as the nasal passages, esophagus, stomach, or intestine, the moisture can conduct a current around the battery, or alkaline chemicals inside the battery can leak, causing serious burns. Any animal that ingests a battery needs immediate veterinary attention. Toxic hazards lurk all around the house, especially during the busy and hectic holidays. Being aware of the hazards can help prevent emergencies, and Dr. Volmer suggests keeping the phone number for an emergency veterinary clinic that will be open during the holidays on hand. The number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (a 24-hour hotline) is 888-426-4435. (There is a $50 fee per case, which includes follow-up calls made to the hotline by both you and your veterinarian).

For more information about toxic plants, foods, and products, consult your veterinarian, or visit the ASPCA website and click on "Animal Poison Control Center."

by  Editor, theCity1.com
December 21, 2005