With the arrival of the winter months and holiday season, there are additional health hazards that are of concern for animals; some are potentially fatal.
According to Pam Wilson, DrCH, Med, LVT, MCHES of the Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis Control, a few of these health risks could be brought into the home inadvertently, thereby increasing a pet’s possibility of exposure. To keep the season safe, protect animals from contact with or ingestion of the following:
-Antifreeze - this mixture contains ethylene glycol, a product that can cause lethal kidney failure and metabolic acidosis (accumulation of acid in the blood and body tissues) if ingested. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals and can be toxic in small doses (i.e. 1-2 tablespoons can produce toxicity in a medium-sized dog). Antifreeze can be toxic even when diluted in water.
Early recognition of ingestion and immediate intensive treatment are imperative for the survival of the animal. It is best to prevent animals from being in contact antifreeze by having it changed by a professional who knows how to dispose of it. It should not be drained it into the sewer or left setting out in a pan for any amount of time. Some snow globes may contain this product, so keep them out of reach from your pets.
-Chocolate - Baker’s or baking chocolate is the form of chocolate that contains a higher concentration of stimulant (theobromine) than either semi-sweet or regular milk chocolate. The extent of toxicity an animal exhibits after consuming chocolate is based on a variety of factors, such as the type of chocolate ingested, the size of the animal, or an animal’s individual sensitivity to chocolate. Dogs in particular are attracted to sweet treats.
Some typical clinical signs of chocolate toxicity include excessive excitability, restlessness, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately; there is no specific antidote for chocolate toxicity.
-Xylitol - another dangerous substance associated with sweet treats is xylitol. Xylitol is among a group of sugar substitutes; it might can be found in some “sugar-free,” “reduced-sugar,” or “diet” foods such as gum, candy, baked goods, ice cream and peanut butter. Look for the term “xylitol” or the general term “sugar alcohol” on food labels. In dogs, even a small amount of xylitol can cause toxic effects; it can also be fatal. If a dog consumes xylitol, it can cause hypoglycemia (sudden decrease in blood glucose) and/or liver failure. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately. Some of the clinical signs of xylitol toxicity in dogs include weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, anemia, increased thirst, increased urination, and bloody or tarry feces.
-Mistletoe - the berry of this plant is the most toxic component, especially if it is chewed. Ingested in sufficient quantity, it can cause gastrointestinal and neurological signs, including convulsions.
-Poinsettia - whether this plant is toxic has been debated for years. The most recent findings are that it contains no toxic chemical. However, as with any plant that an animal is not accustomed to eating, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting (a protective mechanism to eliminate the foreign substance). It is a good practice to keep these plants out of their reach.
-Holly - the red berries on the holly plant, if consumed in large amounts, may cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. These clinical signs can lead to dehydration, which may need to be treated with injectable fluids.
-Ivy - this plant is not acutely toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
-Christmas cactus - this plant is nontoxic, but it can cause vomiting and transient diarrhea if consumed.
-Tinsel - cats are attracted to playing with Christmas tree tinsel. If ingested, it can cause an intestinal blockage or intussusception (prolapsing of one part of the intestine into the cavity of an immediately adjoining part). If indoor cats are present, it would be prudent to avoid using strands of tinsel. It would also be advisable to place breakable ornaments at the top of the tree or use shatterproof ornament.
-Glow jewelry - dibutyl phthalate is a chemical contained in glow-in-the-dark jewelry. Although the chemical may have the potential to cause death via respiratory paralysis, pets generally will only ingest a minimal amount due to its unpleasant taste and the fact that only a small amount of the chemical is present in the jewelry. Pets that have bitten into the jewelry may exhibit heavy salivation, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior, but they typically recover within minutes. Immediately after a pet happens to ingest this chemical, it helps to feed it small quantities of milk, canned food, or tuna juice to dilute the chemical in its mouth. Wash off any drops of the chemical that might be on the pet’s coat and flush the pet’s eyes with water if there has been ocular exposure. There is no known antidote for dibutyl phthalate.
If you know or suspect that an animal has ingested any of the above items, immediately consult a veterinarian, animal emergency clinic, or poison control center.
The Texas Poison Center Network can be reached at 1- 800-222-1222. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-548- 2423.
-Cold - The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Animal Welfare Act recommends that environmental temperature not drop below 50 degrees, especially when sick, aged, or young animals are present. If it does, the animal’s environment should be supplemented with heating and additional bedding. Animals should always be provided with adequate protection and shelter from the direct effect of wind, rain, or snow and be protected from extreme weather conditions.