Four Christmas Staples That can Harm Your Pets

Nobody wants a dead dog on Christmas, but unfortunately the day of holiday cheer doesn’t come without its dangers. Bushes, berries, trees and ornaments can all be deadly to your household pet, and veterinarians urge using caution when decorating and dining this time of year. Here’s a list of a few potential dangers looming around most San Angelo homes this season.

Chocolate

Sweet or bitter, dark or white, chocolate is one of the biggest enemies of man’s best friend, says local doctor John Russell.

“Milk chocolate is not near as bad because it has milk and sugar added to it,” Russell says. “Baker’s sugar is the worst because the main ingredient that is harmful to dogs is more concentrated.”

While this favorite delectable desert is usually only lethal in high doses, Russell says toxicity is weight dependent and even a little can cause hyperactivity, a rise in heart and blood pressure and even heart attacks. Doctor recommends keeping the fudge away from Fido.

Ornaments and Decorations

Christmas decorations, including ornaments, tinsel and even pine needles themselves pose a threat to the innards. “Cats can get a hold of it and eat it,” Russell says, “and that can cause an obstruction in the intestinal track.”

Best to keep the cat out of the tree.

Poinsettias, Holly Berries and Mistletoe

Most of us know that these plants are toxic, and common sense suggests not putting the berries in the kitty bowl.

Russell says common symptoms associated with the ingestion of any of these plants are mostly gastrointestinal, and may include vomiting and diarrhea. Should your pet accidentally eat some of these, the doctor says to treat the symptoms.

Bones

Disney didn’t help out much in preventing this surprising danger. According to Russell, any type of bones are bad as they cause intestinal upset. “Bones can cause obstructions and they can break teeth,” Russell says. “Turkey bones—like chicken bones—splinter and can puncture organs.”

But really, any type of food or leftover is bad, he says.