Indoor
Winter Hazards
During the winter, people and their
pets tend to spend more time indoors, so it is important to keep the home
environment safe for your dog. The following are some common issues to be aware
of:
Many
types of houseplants can be poisonous to dogs. If eaten, these plants can cause problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as other reactions
that can be severe or even fatal. The American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals’ Poison Control Center provides a list of toxic houseplants, as well as dangerous outdoor plants,
on its website. It is important to keep all dangerous plants out of your dog’s
reach.
Burning
candles, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and space heaters create the potential
for burns and smoke inhalation.
The flickers and warmth of a fire can be an attraction for dogs; because of
this, dogs should not be left alone in a room with open flames or hot electric
elements. When these items are in use, monitor your dog at all times to keep
him from getting burned or possibly starting a house fire.
Carbon
monoxide poisoning can be a threat to dogs as well as people. Furnaces, gas water heaters, and gas/kerosene space heaters
should always be evaluated for any leakage. Because dogs tend to be in the
house for longer periods of time during the winter, they can be exposed to
carbon monoxide leaks for longer, which may cause serious health issues or
death. Checking smoke detectors (and purchasing smoke detectors that also
detect increases in carbon monoxide) will help protect your pets and family.
Holiday
Season Hazards
We all look forward to the winter
holiday season each year, so it is particularly tragic when a family pet is
harmed during this time. It is important to pay special attention to safety as
you celebrate.
Christmas trees can be very
attractive to dogs. Dogs may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or
drink the water at the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if it
has any sort of preservatives in it).
Electrical wires can be a serious
hazard. Dogs that chew on these wires can sustain severe burns to the mouth,
injury to the brain and lungs, or death from electrocution. It is best to keep
wires out of reach or taped down securely. Also, lights may become hot and are
best used only on the upper branches of trees, away from curious canines.
Ornaments are beautiful for people
to look at, but dogs may think they’re toys. Fragile, breakable or edible
ornaments may be knocked over, and wire hooks can get caught in your dog’s
hair, skin, or—if eaten—stomach and intestines. An alternative to wire hooks is
to use loops of yarn, ribbon, or lightweight twine. Hang the ornaments out of
reach of your dog.
Tinsel can block the intestines if
swallowed, requiring emergency surgery. Tinsel also has sharp edges that can
cause cuts in the mouth. Angel hair, which is made of spun glass, is also
irritating if touched.
Gifts should be checked for small,
breakable parts that can be easily swallowed. As with tinsel, string and ribbon
can cause intestinal injury or blockage. Monitoring your dog around these items
is highly recommended.
Human holiday foods, like chocolate,
coffee, macadamia nuts, yeast dough, and alcohol, can all be hazardous to dogs.
For example, theobromine, an ingredient in chocolate, can cause seizures and
death if eaten by dogs. Caffeine (in coffee and chocolate) can also cause
seizures, along with diarrhea, abnormal heart rate/rhythm and death.
We all want our pets to enjoy the
winter holidays with us. By taking a few precautions and preventive measures,
dogs can be protected from many common winter hazards.
If you have any questions or concerns please call or come in. And remember to have a great holiday season.
To your pets good health,
Brittany
Temple City Animal Hospital
5406 Rosemead Blvd
San Gabriel CA
626-287-1173
templecityanimalhospital.com
