Even tiny dogs like Yorkshire Terriers are scavengers at heart and the holidays can be a field day for them. Whether you have a big dog like a Bernese Mountain Dog or a tiny toy breed, the holidays can be very dangerous. Here are the top 3 seasonal dangers, and how to avoid them.
Chocolate
Chocolate is the number one poisonous people food for dogs, especially small dogs. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine all contain alkaloid molecules known as methylxanthines.
Theobromine is the specific methylxanthine found in chocolate products. It's similar to caffeine and of course, not harmful for humans. For people, theobromines can have a mild diuretic effect (you have to urinate more often), act as a mild stimulant, and relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi in the lungs.
But for animals, theobromines can be treacherous - and not just for dogs. Cats, horses and dogs all metabolize theobromines much more slowly than humans so that the heart, central nervous system, and kidneys in these animals are negatively affected.
Eating chocolate can cause
- vomiting and diarrhea,
- panting and excessive thirst and urination,
- hyperactivity,
- abnormal heart rhythm,
- seizures,
- tremors
...and even death.
The treatment once an animal shows symptoms, is to induce vomiting if you are positive that's what the problem is. Call your vet at once, and induce vomiting by giving your pet a mild solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide (found at most drugstores) mixed with equal parts of water.
Give about 1 or 2 tablespoons per 10 lbs. body weight to induce vomiting and use a turkey baster or eye dropper to give the liquid to your dog if necessary. Repeat up to three times.
Note: Do not induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, or is exhibiting signs of serious distress or shock.
How much is too much chocolate?
The darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it is. For dogs, the lethal dosage is between 250 and 500 mgs per kg of the dog's weight, or about 1 baking chocolate square for very 3 pounds of the animal's body weight.
In other words, a small Yorkie could be fatally poisoned with just the equivalent of 2 baking chocolate squares of product. However, serious non-fatal poisonings have been reported in dogs after eating smaller amounts.
Poisonous house plants
This is the second biggest danger for dogs over the holiday season. The Christmas tree itself can be very attractive to your pets; who may want to sniff around the trunk and end u knocking it over on themselves. They may want to chew the light wires, or even eat some of the fallen pine needs. All, of course, are deadly dangerous things to do.
If you have a live tree, don't use the chemical treatment in the tree water to keep it fresher, longer. Even without this toxic chemical treatment, the water in your tree holder can contain harmful bacteria, fertilizers and mold.
Besides the tree, other poisonous seasonal plants include holly, poinsettia plants and mistletoe. Some plants cause slight stomach upset, while others can cause seizures, coma or even death. Some of the other, more common household plants toxic to dogs include Amaryllis, Calla Lily, Christmas roses and Christmas cactus. For a full list, see the ASPCA website.
Danger! Holiday decorations like tinsel and wrapping paper
Who knows why, but many dogs find tinsel, ribbon and wrapping paper very attractive. Tinsel and ribbon in particular, can cause major problems, blocking the intestines and making costly and painful surgery necessary. Like aluminum foil, if tinsel is ingested it can cut the intestines, causing internal bleeding and death.
While wrapping paper itself isn't poisonous, it's not a great idea for your dog to eat paper at any time of the year. He can choke on it, and it's sure to cause diarrhea. But if it's wrapping treats like biscuits or bones, changes are it will be very appealing to your canine companion. Clear up wrapping paper right away and it won't be such a temptation.
Other deadly decorations?
Spray-on 'snow' contains inhalants that are harmful and angel hair is made of spun glass, so is very irritating to your pet's skin and eyes.
Lit candles and dogs can be another deadly combo if you're not watching carefully... wherever possible, think of some worst case scenarios and then avoid them altogether.
With a little extra care and some common sense, you can all enjoy a happy and safe holiday.
Did you know?
Research shows that 80% of pet owners give their animals a gift on the holidays. In the U.S., a reported 62% of owners sign their holiday cards from themselves AND their dogs and cats.
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