Holiday Hazards

Dietary indiscretion (the medical term to describe when a pet eats something it should not) is a common cause to bring your pet to the veterinarian, especially around the holidays.  Frequent visitors (some possibly unfamiliar with having a pet), new decorations around the house, and lots of baking or cooking may all contribute to a pet’s dietary indiscretion.  Common things veterinarians see pets eat this time of year include:

• People food that is very rich or fatty and causes vomiting or diarrhea
• People food that is toxic (such as grapes, raisins, and chocolate)
• Medications (left too close to the edge of a counter or accidentally dropped)
• Decorations (ornaments, tinsel, gift wrapping or ribbon)
• Toxic plants or flowers that have been brought inside
• Clothing (socks, underwear, mittens, pom-poms from hats, etc)

These items may cause a temporary upset stomach or they can cause serious illness that requires hospitalization or even surgery.  If your pet starts vomiting, having diarrhea, or seems uninterested in their food, it is important to keep a close eye on them and consider a check-up with your veterinarian.  Your veterinarian will likely suggest x-rays or blood work to figure out why your pet is not feeling well.  
Some ideas to help prevent these accidents include telling visitors what they can and can not feed your pets, using baby gates to keep pets out of rooms as needed, and keeping up with your pet’s exercise and socialization as a tired pet is a happy pet!
Dr. Becky Brockman