- Breakable ornaments: Keep glass or ceramic ornaments off low branches within easy reach of a dog’s wagging tail or a cat’s darting paw. You’ll reduce the risk of deep lacerations that may require sutures or tear into the animal’s digestive tract
- Tinsel, ribbon and strings: Cats are especially drawn to tinsel and other types of ribbons. If ingested, these items can cause an obstruction in a cat’s digestive tract, which can lead to vomiting and severe dehydration. In many cases, surgery may be the only means of removing the obstruction.
- Christmas tree water: The water in Christmas tree stands may contain dangerous bacteria, algae, or fertilizers, and can sicken pets who drink it. Keep tree stands covered. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
- Tree lights and electric cords: Pets often love to chew things, including electrical cords, which can burn or electrocute them if they manage to bite through the rubber coating.
- Toxic plants: Many plants used in holiday arrangements, such as mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets when ingested. Some plants are also treated with potentially toxic fertilizers or pesticide.
- Christmas trees and holiday greens: Make sure your dogs or cats do not chew on limbs or droppings from the tree. Ingested pine needles could get lodged in the intestinal tract, puncturing the lining or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction.
Colorado Tops the Charts (but not in a good way)
For the last 7 years, Colorado has been in the top 10 states in which Google searches for ‘ER vet’ were most popular.
From December 15, 2020-January 2, 2021, Colorado topped the charts, with searches were five times more popular than California or Texas.