Deck The Halls—Safely
For many of us, ‘tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery.
But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be hazardous to your pet’s health?
- Lilies are beautiful in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties—including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casablanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
- Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. They add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
- Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea from drinking some.
If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance.
Published 11/19/08
