Common Household Toxins around the Holidays
The holidays can be a great time to spend with friends and family. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers of the holidays for your pets. Some common holiday decorations and foods can be serious health risks to your animal. That’s why our team at South Coast Veterinary Hospital in Laguna Niguel is ready to help. We can help you understand ways to prevent your pet from ingesting a toxic substance this holiday season. We also offer emergency pet care when your pet needs it most.
Signs of Poisoning
Common signs of poisoning include excessive drooling, vomiting up blood, diarrhea, lack of coordination, seizures, and lethargy.
Common Holiday Toxins
Plants
Many people give flowers and other plants as gifts. Unfortunately, poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly berries are poisonous to most pets.
Chocolate
Although most people have chocolate out around the holidays, it’s essential to keep it out of your pet’s reach. The darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it is to your animal.
Alcohol
Dogs and cats are curious creatures that will drink out of any glasses or cups lying about. If your pet ingests alcohol, he or she could get alcohol poisoning resulting in symptoms like bloated stomach, vomiting, or hyperventilation. If you spot any signs of alcohol poisoning, please schedule an immediate appointment with our veterinary team for emergency care.
Decorations
It is very easy for any pet to knock over or mess with holiday decorations around the home. Make sure any heavy decorations do not have the possibility of tipping over. Your pet can easily knock low-hanging ornaments off your tree, causing them to break and potentially injure your animal. Make sure to buy durable ornaments or to not place them out of your pet’s reach. If a pet ingests tinsel, it can cause a lot of digestive issues and blockage.
Contact Us for Quality Pet Care in Laguna Niguel
If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic substance this holiday season, don’t hesitate to contact us at South Coast Veterinary Hospital in Laguna Niguel. Our veterinarian is dedicated to providing the emergency care pets need to continue living healthy and pain-free lives. Contact us at (949) 249-7777 to schedule your pet’s next appointment or to learn more about how we can help.