Christmas Inedibles: Pet-Proofing for the Holidays

I'm all for Holiday cheer, but living with a painfully curious cat means making certain sacrifices-- namely, keeping anything remotely tasty-looking far out of the reach of troublesome paws. But compulsive chewing can be more than a mere annoyance. Many Christmas bouquets, tinsels, and trappings can actually become deadly hors-d'oeuvre for the curious pet palette, and it's important for pet owners to be able to distinguish dangerous Holiday additions from innocuous Holiday decor.

(1) Poinsettia.
Why to avoid it: These beautiful red florals are a staple of the Holiday season, overwhelming grocery stores and cubicles like an aggressively-festive ivy. But while they might be lovely to look at, the crimson petals on these beauties are often thought of as red flags. Many growers have modified the plants that are commonly sold in stores in an effort to reduce poison (which is never life-threatening even in unaltered flowers), but the sap remains an irritant to pets and people alike-- especially those with latex allergies.

What to do if you can't: If your pet snags a bite of this perky plant, it probably won't come back for more. Poinsettias are notoriously bitter, and it is rare that animals or children return for a second nibble. But keep an eye out for vomiting and diarrhea if you see more than a few leaves missing. Excessive salivating may also indicate that your animal has eaten the leaves, but is not a true cause for concern. However, if you see your pup shaking its head and continuing to vomit, give your vet a call-- you may need medicines to combat the plant's hidden irritant.

(2) Holly.
Why to avoid it: While wild birds love these berries, ingesting them can leave even a healthy-sized human hunched over the toilet. Keep them away from hungry cats and dogs and you can save yourself a less-than-cheerful pet poisoning.

What to do if you can't: Holly consumption usually leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you notice your pet acting unusually unresponsive or inactive, keep an eye on their behavior. Holly poisoning can be dangerous, and any combination of these symptoms should be reported to your veterinarian for further evaluation.

(3) Mistletoe.
Why to avoid it: These lip-locking blossoms are fine in their usual ceiling spots, but make sure that they are securely fastened and out of reach of counters, couches, and flying leaps. If they fall to the floor and end up ingested, your pet may be in for some serious cardiovascular damage. If you aren't able to fasten them securely in a safe location, consider a silk imitation-- you'll be able to reuse it next year, and your pet will be able to enjoy another Holiday.

What to do if you can't: Can't keep your kitty from stealing some Mistletoe action? Be especially careful with this one. Consumption may lead to a rapid or irregular heart rate and stomach upset-- including more vomiting and diarrhea (the gold standard for sick-pet symptoms). Clean up your carpet, box up your cat (or dog), and head over to the animal hospital. Heart issues are not something to toy with.

(4) Tinsel.
Why to avoid it: Tinsel, like string, is the crack cocaine of the animal kingdom. If you've ever owned a cat, you've probably experienced the awkwardness of a half-defecated string hanging out of his (or her) rear end. But tinsel's sharp edges and shiny seductiveness make it a terrible toy, and one that can cause intestinal blockage, stomach upset, and even death. Do your pet a favor and skip the tinsel. Stick to natural ornaments like pine cones, non-toxic garland, or other pet-safe pretties-- your animals will thank you.

What to do if you can't: If your animal has consumed tinsel, give your vet a call. More often than not, the animal will simply pass the tinsel in a bowel movement (or two), but in some cases the tinsel will bind up in the intestines and kill the animal who ate it. If your cat or dog has only passed part of the tinsel (and is running around with a poop-smeared strand dangling from it's butt), trim the strand and allow them to pass the rest in their next trip to the catbox or backyard. Pulling the tinsel through the intestines can cause bleeding and extreme discomfort, as the sharp edges can slice through soft internal tissue.

(5) Christmas lights.
Why to avoid it: Combine electricity, shiny lights, and string, and you have a recipe for a terribly-tempting pet toy. While many people can safely have lights without any issue, pets prone to chewing should be very closely monitored or kept in an area away from light strands. The shock delivered when an animal successful chews through a wire can be instantly fatal and should be thoroughly discouraged. If your pet persists, get a designated chew toy and teach them to prefer it. You can do this by removing them from the "bad" chew item, giving them the "good" one, and giving them a treat when they teethe on the toy. Reinforcing good behavior will reward you beyond the holidays as well.

What to do if you can't: In the case that your cat or dog gnaws its way through a strand of wire (and receives an electrical shock), you should check immediately for breathing or a pulse. If the animal is not breathing, you will need to start CPR. A guide to performing CPR on dogs and cats can be found here. Have a friend or family member call a pet hospital while you continue to perform CPR, and try to get your animal seen as soon as possible.

(6) Bones.
Why to avoid it: Turkey and ham bones may seem like the ideal reward for a well-loved pet, but you may wish to reconsider your display of affection. Poultry bones (bones from chickens, turkeys, and other birds) are very prone to shattering, and the fragments of a shattered bone can lodge in your pet's throat or do severe damage their digestive system. For a safer treat, consider pet-safe and uncooked bones taken from cows, pigs, or sheep-- boiling or baking can make bones brittle and more likely to splinter. You can request bones from your local butcher, or purchase a pre-selected chew bone from your local pet store. For cats, smaller, flavored treats make an excellent alternative.

What to do if you can't: No bones about it-- if you cat or dog has been eating poultry bones, watch for vomiting, lack of appetite, bloody stools, constipation, or other indications that they may be in pain. If you observe any of these distressing signs, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible-- a perforated intestine can quickly lead to death.