|
Did You Know?
Pets & Candy
Did You Know…Certain types of candy and
other goodies that are so popular during this romantic time of year
can be harmful to pets?
For example, dogs ingesting significant amounts of gum or candies
solely or largely sweetened with xylitol may develop a fairly sudden
drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination
and seizures. These signs can develop quite rapidly, so it is
important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.
According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, some
data also appears to point to a possible link between xylitol
ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.
Chocolate is another treat well loved by humans that could make pets
ill. Depending on the form involved, it can contain high amounts of
fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If
ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce
clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting,
excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart
rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.
Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for
clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has
the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains
the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two
ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound
dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker
forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of
lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as
well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis,
an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners avoid
offering their animals food meant for human consumption, and to be
especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing
chocolate or xylitol out of the reach of pets
Have a Safe Holiday With Your Pets
Thanks
to an
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (ASPCA) press release for this information:
There’s nothing better than gathering with friends and family for
the holidays; eating, drinking, and putting up festive decorations.
While enjoying this time of year, the ASPCA wants pet parents to be
aware of potential hazards that certain goodies and decor can pose
to our furry friends.
“Many of our winter habits and holiday
traditions could pose a potential threat to our companion animals,”
says Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist
and senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal Health Services,
which includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana,
Ill. “As you begin to prepare for a pfestive season, remember to be
wary of activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets.”
To keep pets happy and healthy during
the holiday season, the ASPCA offers pet owners the following
helpful hints:
Avoid a sour stomach.
‘Tis the season for overeating, but remember to keep your pets on a
normal diet. Any change of diet, even for one meal, can give your
dog or cat severe indigestion and diarrhea. “Please don’t give pets
holiday leftovers, and do keep them out of the garbage.” advises Dr.
Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial
Animal Hospital in NYC. Poultry bones can splinter and cause
blockages, while greasy, spicy and fatty foods can cause stomach
upset.
Use caution with cocktails.
If your plans include adult holiday beverages, be sure to place
unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot reach them. If
ingested, the animal could become very sick and weak and may go into
a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
Skip the sweets.
Several popular holiday treats are toxic to pets. Candies containing
the sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts
of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to
depression, lack of coordination, seizures and even liver failure in
certain cases. “Chocolate, especially baker’s and dark chocolate,
can also be potentially poisonous to animals, especially dogs,”
advises Dr. Hansen. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may
include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and increased thirst and
urination, as well as abnormal heart rate/rhythm and even seizures.
Cats also love to play with candy wrappers, but ingesting aluminum
foil or cellophanes can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal
blockage.
Floral arrangements should be
given forethought.
Be careful with holiday floral arrangements and Christmas tree
decorations. Lilies are commonly used this time of year and all
varieties, including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa
Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats. In addition, common
Yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be
potentially toxic to pets. Should a cat or dog eat mistletoe, they
could possibly sugger gastrointestinal upset and in rare cases,
cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea and
lethargy if ingested.
Cover the Christmas tree water.
Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers which, if ingested,
could cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a
breeding ground for bacteria, and if ingested a pet could end up
with abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea.
Decorations can be dangerous.
Consider decorating your tree with ornaments that are relatively
less enticing to pets, such as dried non-toxic flowers, wood, fabric
or pinecones. Traditional decorations such as ribbons or tinsel, if
ingested, can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal
obstruction. This is a very common problem, particularly with cats.
Also take care to prevent your pets from having access to glass
ornaments, wires and cords from holiday decorations. If chewed, such
ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth from shards of glass or
plastic, while a wire can deliver a potentially lethal electric
shock.
Careful with candles.
Ensure any candle decorations are kept well out of your
pets’ reach. Animals can easily knock over holiday candles and start
a fire, and curious kittens are particularly at risk of getting
burned by candle flames.
|
