Pet Safety is a concern during the holidays

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sherri Daye
  • 48th Fighter Wing Veterinary Clinic
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered cherries, hot chocolate, chocolate kisses ...who can resist chocolate over the holidays?

Well, for the four-legged members of the family, chocolate should be kept off limits. Chocolate contains a class of substances called methylxanthines, which are toxic to dogs and cats. 

Caffeine and theobromine are two important methylxanthines found in chocolate. Toxicity depends on the type and amount of chocolate eaten. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate because it has two to three times the concentration of theobromine compared to milk chocolate. 

Baking chocolate is the most toxic with as much as 10 times the amount of theobromine compared to milk chocolate. Chocolate toxicity also depends on the size of the animal. It is possible that a 10-pound dog could die from eating as little as 8 ounces of milk chocolate. 

In comparison, a 50-pound dog would have to eat at least 38 ounces of milk chocolate to receive a lethal dose. Some of the signs observed from chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, seizures, and death.

Who hasn't heard the statement "Poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs and cats?" 

This is actually a holiday myth believed to originate from the early 20th century when a U.S. Army officer's 2-year-old son was thought to have been poisoned and died from eating a poinsettia leaf. 

Actually poinsettias are not deadly to dogs and cats but they should still be kept away from your pets. As with other plants, the poinsettia is indigestible and can irritate your pet's mouth and stomach. Signs of poinsettia (or other plant) ingestion include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. 

Holiday lilies and mistletoe are a different story. These plants can be dangerous to pets. 

Holiday lilies have smooth, leathery green leaves that arise along a tall stem with trumpet shaped flowers. The toxic substance is unknown and all parts of the plant are considered poisonous. 

Eating as few and one or two leaves cause acute kidney failure and death. Signs of acute kidney failure include inappetence, depression, and inability to produce urine. 

American mistletoe contains several toxic chemicals (beta-phenylethylamine, tyramine, and phoratoxin). Mistletoe poisoning can occur is your pet eats a large number of berries. Signs of mistletoe poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, urinating more than usual, and fast heart and respiratory rates. 

In severe cases the animal can go into shock and possibly die without immediate treatment. If your pet shows any of these signs, it is important to have them seen by a veterinarian immediately. 

Decorations can be deadly as well. 

Electrical cords and tree ornaments can look like chew toys to your pet, but unfortunately they can cause electrical shock and intestinal blockages or perforations. Additionally, pets often think that it is a good idea to eat tinsel - that can lead to a linear foreign body, an intestinal perforation requiring surgery, or even death. Some snow globes may contain antifreeze, which is highly toxic.
 
So, ensure you and your pets have a safe and happy holiday season by keeping chocolate, plants, and decorations out of Fluffy's and Fido's reach.

Happy Holidays from the RAF Feltwell VTF staff!