Winter and Holiday Safety Tips Catherine MacLean, DVM
W
ith the Holiday season upon us and the cold weather arriving, here are some safety tips for you and your pet.
Holiday Plants
Mistletoe - If ingested can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiac issues Poinsettias - may cause vomiting and diarrhea Lilies - acute kidney failure in cats Holly - vomiting, diarrhea and nausea Christmas Trees - make sure they are properly anchored so it doesn’t fall over if an adventurous pet goes exploring.
Decorations
12 4 Legs & a Tail
Tinsel - kitties love its magical sparkle and can’t resist chewing on it. If ingested, tinsel can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction, which can become life threatening and require surgery. Clinical signs of an obstruction can include, but are not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and dehydration. These signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. Winter 2020