Ask The Vet: Seasonal Hazards

The holiday season and cold winter weather present certain seasonal hazards for dogs and cats.  If you suspect or detect a problem, call for advice.  (274-7772 ANY time!)

Indoors is so delightful;  but there are many hazards.  The novelty of new plants and decorative items may attract attention from curious pets.

Trees should be safely secured or access prevented with the use of a “Scat Mat” or similar device to prevent toppling the tree, breaking ornaments, etc.  Chewing on the needles of a decorative tree can lead to gastrointestinal upset and the sap can be irritating to skin or eyes.

Xmas tree water preservatives
Mostly these products contain sugar and fertilizers.  In large amounts, it is possible to get a gastrointestinal upset.  Bacterial or fungal growth in the water, if present, may present a bigger hazard.

Decorations. 
Tinsel, ribbon, yarn, and string are dangers to dogs and cats.  Cats are most often affected, partly because of their innate curiosity and the one-way nature of their gastrointestinal tract, starting with the backwards pointing papillae on their tongues.  This means, once a string or similar object is in a cats mouth, it is easier for them to swallow it than to remove it.  Dental floss is a similar hazard, sometimes attractively flavored.
Ornaments can break and cause foot lacerations.  Sometimes they are ingested, where damage by the glass, plastic or hooks will cause irritation, obstruction or perforation of the intestinal tract.  It is generally not safe to induce vomiting;  call for advice.

Decorative Plants
Mistletoe, holly, and amaryllis are common indoor decorative plants and not of great concern.  Ingested in large enough amounts, gastrointestinal signs can occur and require treatment, especially with amaryllis.  Lily plants are uniquely dangerous to cats.  Access to any lily by cats should absolutely be prevented and immediate attention is needed with any exposure (including pollen).
Poinsettias, contrary to old wisdom, are not all that harmful, but can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.  The same is true of Christmas Cactus.

Electric Cords
With lighted decorations and disarray, access to electric cords may attract kittens, puppies and occasionally older animals.  Biting a live electric cord can cause serious burns, lung injuries and other trouble.   Best approach is to prevent access.  If you observe or suspect a bite to an electric cord, the pet should be evaluated right away even if there presently are no symptoms.

Aromatics
Liquid potpourri can attract attention and cause very serious chemical burns to the mouth and throat of a cat or, less often, dog.  This often occurs when one is knocked over and a kitty walks through it, then cleans his or her feet.  If this occurs, offer milk and seek immediate attention.
Scented candles, perfumes, smoke and certain cleaning products can be powerful irritants.  Some of these things settle towards the floor, where the dogs and cats are exposed to higher levels.  Cats with asthma can be seriously affected by these irritants.

Foods and Treats
A sudden change to the diet for dogs and cats can cause gastrointestinal upset.  Rich fatty meals can cause dangerous inflammation to the pancreas, especially in overweight or middle aged female dogs. 
Table and kitchen scraps are often quite attractive.  Bones, strings and meat wrappers can cause irritation, perforation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chocolate is a well known hazard, mostly to dogs.  Of greatest concern are high cocoa content chocolate bars, dark chocolate, baker’s chocolate, and the like.  Even products with lower cocoa content can cause problems.  Removal from the stomach and gut decontamination is the usual recommendation.
Sugar free candies and gum containing xylitol are dangerous and can be fatal to dogs, even in small quantities.  Products containing sweeteners other than xylitol are not known to be dangerous.
Liquors can be found and ingested from glass wear and spills, causing intoxication or sedation in dogs or cats.  Cats and dogs may be particularly attracted to eggnog and ice cream based alcoholic beverages and relatively small amounts can cause intoxication.

Desiccants (Silica Gel)
These little packets often come with new shoes, electronics and other products and usually say “Do Not Eat” on the packet.  Aside from the potential for obstruction and minor irritation, these are not dangerous and very rarely cause trouble.

Outside, the weather may be frightful:

Cold Weather
Except for acclimated and arctic breeds, most dogs need and deserve shelter from cold winds.  They must have access to unfrozen water at all times.  Best is to keep them indoors when temperatures drop and winds are up.

Ice and snow
Soft tissue injuries (strains, sprains) are common in the winter due to deep snow, slippery ice and non athletic dogs forced to deal with these things.  You may want to shovel a path for your little dog and be quite careful with older, arthritic, injured or recovering dogs.   Even “graceful” cats are not necessarily immune to falls and slipping on icy surfaces.
Ice and snow can pack between toes and foot pads, creating discomfort and inflammation of the skin.  Dogs will often lick and chew this out, but may require help.  Trimming long hair on the feet can help.

Ice Melting products
Direct ingestion of salts and other ice melting products is uncommon, but possible.  More common is ingestion of slush or water containing high concentrations of these products or licking granules of these salts from their feet.  In such cases, gastrointestinal upset can occur and may be dramatic.  Serious electrolyte imbalances are also possible.

Antifreeze
Cars that drip antifreeze or open containers of same can expose cats and dogs to the attractive and sweet product which is deadly dangerous to their kidneys.  Early detection and treatment is necessary to save their lives.  Best is to be sure there is no exposure!