Blue Christmas: 11 Holiday Trimmings Harmful to Pets

Your children have cleared a path from the fireplace to the tree. You’ve got the ham and the rest of the shopping off the to-do list. But there are threats to your pets you may not have considered.

Here are a few things that could ruin your pup’s Christmas, courtesy of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.

• Plants: Many holiday plants can lead to health problems in pets. Among the plants to keep out of reach are holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies.
• Snow Globes: Often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.
• Pine Needles: When ingested, can puncture holes in a pet’s intestine; keep pet areas clear of pine needles.
• Extra Cords: Plugs of holiday lights and other fixtures can look like chew toys to pets. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries.
• The Tree: Anchor Christmas trees with a string to the ceiling or wall to keep it from falling on pets.
• The Tree Water: Do Not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain fertilizers and stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria. Use nontoxic tree water preservatives and artificial snow or use screens around trees to block access to electrical cords and gifts.
• Tinsel: Pets can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines; hang high and securely out of reach.
• Ornaments: Keep ornaments out of reach of pets. Ingestion of any ornament can result in life-threatening emergencies, even ornaments made from dried food. And remember, shards from broken glass ornaments can injure paws, mouths and other parts of the body.
• New Toys: Put away toys after children open gifts. Small plastic pieces, rubber balls and cloth toys are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in pets which often must be removed surgically.
• Candles: Keep candles on high shelves.
• Christmas Meal: Do Not feed your pets human food; be sure to keep them away from the table, unattended plates and secure the lids on garbage cans. Many holiday foods can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions. In addition, candy wrappers, aluminum foil pieces and ribbons can choke pets.

If you think your pet ate something poisonous, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.