Page 12 - Hobe Sound Reflections - December '23

Page 12, Hobe Sound

Tip oF THe Tail

Pet Safety For The Holiday get into during the holidays, but your veterinarian won’t Chocolate isn’t just dangerous to our waistline; it is
Season be. We have seen almost everything! Plants, gifts and dangerous to our pets. The danger varies with the type of
decorations are just a few of the seemingly harmless
chocolate. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is the worst,
things that can change a celebration into an emergency then milk chocolate, and white chocolate is the least.
trip to the veterinarian. Toxicity can range from an upset stomach to neurologic
If there is one rule, we should follow this time of signs such as tremors to coma and even death. Coffee
year … this is it: Anything they can swallow, they will contains caffeine and theobromine, which are harmful
swallow! Obstructive foreign bodies are things our pets to pets and can cause acceleration of heart rate and
eat that lead to partial or complete blockage of their breathing or even seizures. Bread dough and other yeast
gastrointestinal tract. We have seen animals that have products can produce alcohol and cause intoxication.
ingested needles, fish hooks, rocks, a spoon and even Dough can also block the intestinal tract or cause bloating.
razor blades. These objects can get stuck anywhere from Macadamia nuts can cause increased body temperature,
the mouth and lips, all the way to their back end. Pay muscle stiffness, increased heart rate and tremors. Pets
special attention to plastic toys, especially those with seem to be attracted to alcohol, so don’t leave drinks
small removable parts, strings or loose wires. Batteries unattended. It is no joke to get a pet drunk; and serious
are caustic and potentially highly toxic. They can cause intoxications have occurred. Small amounts of antifreeze
obstructions or lead to chemical burns. Linear foreign can be fatal. Potpourri/potpourri oil can cause severe
Pet safety is especially important during the holiday bodies are among the most dangerous we encounter! burns and ingestion can affect the nervous system.
season. We must remember our four-legged and winged Strings, tinsel and ribbons can obstruct or even cut A few other, often overlooked, dangers include
family members. Holiday festivities present situations through the intestines. Tree ornaments can result in cuts. electric shock from chewing on Christmas lights or other
which can be hazardous to your pet, so a little precaution They can be swallowed whole or contain toxic dyes or electrical cords and traumatic injuries from cats climbing
is necessary for making this season a happy time for chemicals. Crayons, markers and pencils are usually trees or children climbing pets.
everyone. You may be surprised by what your pets can non-toxic, especially if made for children, but can result Holiday festivities can get stressful. You should
in vomiting or diarrhea. provide a special quiet place to which your pet can retreat
Many things can be poisonous, including plants, when the excitement gets too stressful (Sometimes, you
decorations and even foods that are safe for people to may want to join him!). Family and guests are coming
eat. Mistletoe is very toxic and can cause intestinal upset, and going, so watch out for open doors and windows to
heart arrhythmias, breathing problems, seizures or a prevent pets from escaping. Be sure your pet has a collar
coma. All of the plant, especially the berries, is poisonous. with tags or a microchip. Discourage visitors from feeding
Holly is moderately to very toxic, especially berries and your pets treats, we want our pets to enjoy the holiday
leaves, and results in severe vomiting and diarrhea or season with us – not with vomiting and diarrhea.
nervous system depression. Poinsettias and all parts of The Palm City Animal Medical Center wishes you all
the Christmas tree are only mildly toxic. a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.
Decorations are beautiful, but potentially dangerous Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
to our pets. Snow spray, fireplace colors (fire salts) and dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
Angel Hair (spun glass) are only slightly toxic. The fluid focuses on com passionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
in Bubbling Lights (methylene chloride) can be lethal if rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics,
inhaled or ingested in large amounts. Tree preservative and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center
varies in toxicity by brand, so read the label carefully. combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy
New tinsel is non-toxic, but in the past, it contained for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772)
poisons such as metallic cyanide. So be careful if your 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find
decorations have been passed down from relatives. us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.