Take care of your pets this holiday season

The Holiday Season

For this first column, I'd like to talk about the dangers of the holiday season. Always remember that the first thing to do when you think your pet may be in danger is to contact your veterinarian.

ICICLES AND TINSEL

Beware of Christmas decorations, especially icicles and tinsel. These long metal wires are very attractive to animals and can cause serious intestinal problems. The intestines can “twist” around the icicle, and the only solution is to remove it surgically. The signs presented by the animal are similar to those for any foreign body: anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness and possibly dehydration. So it's best to avoid putting ice cubes in the tree when you have pets at home.

ANTIGEL

Antifreeze for cars is deadly dangerous for animals. Signs of intoxication include vomiting, loss of balance, increased thirst and urine output, dehydration and weakness. If the animal survives the initial phase of poisoning (12 hours), it risks developing renal failure and metabolic acidosis during the second phase (24 to 96 hours). Ethylene glycol poisoning can be diagnosed by blood and urine analysis. Treatment can save the animal if initiated early. Vomiting should be induced and activated charcoal given within the first three hours of ingestion. Ethanol inhibits ethylene glycol metabolism, but should only be administered under medical supervision.

CHOCOLATE

The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It can cause gastrointestinal disorders, nervousness and cardiovascular problems. The effects on the heart can lead to sudden death. Treatment consists of a saline solution and activated charcoal. Cardiac arrhythmias must be monitored.

TOXIC PLANTS

Many plants are potentially toxic. At Christmas, beware of the poinsettia! If your pet is vomiting and doesn't seem to be in his right frame of mind, check to see if your plants have been chewed. In any case, it's always best to keep them out of reach of pets.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Beware of overindulgence. We've seen that chocolate can be toxic, but overeating can also lead to a stomach bug... If your 99 guests are too generous with treats, perhaps it would be wiser to let your dog rest a little longer from the festivities.
So much for my holiday tips. Drop me a line and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, and maybe even use them in future columns.

Vivianne Venisse MDV