Christmas in Gulf Breeze!

Christmas in Gulf Breeze is a special time for our animal and human babies! Whether you are having a low key Christmas at home or seeing lots of family it can be an exciting time for your pet. There are a few things to keep in mind this holiday season. Be mindful of the common things that we tend to keep around the house. Some of these items may be toxic or dangerous to our pets!

Plants

• Lilies can cause GI signs and kidney failure in cats. All parts of the lily are toxic. Some specific toxic varieties to cats and dogs are lily-of-the-valley and the gloriosa or flame lily. Lily-of-the-valley contains toxins that cause an arrhythmia. Other signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
• Poinsettias are more of an irritant to the mouth and GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
• Mistletoe is toxic to dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, occasional low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and a low heart rate.
• Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

Foods

• Chocolate and coffee has a substance called methylxanthine that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, arrhythmias, seizures and even death.
• Onions/chives/garlic can cause an anemia and gastrointestinal irritation. Cats are more susceptible.
• Raisins/Grapes can cause kidney failure.

Christmas decorations

• Christmas tree water may have pesticides, fertilizer and preservatives in it. Keep your pets away from under the tree!
• Electric cords can be very dangerous to dogs and cats for obvious reasons. A bitter spray can help deter them from chewing on it.
• Ribbon and tinsel can cause obstructions within the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
• Glass Ornaments can be dangerous as they can cause lacerations in their mouth or GI tract.

If your pet if having issues or if you have questions after the holidays, be sure to call Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital. Hopefully everyone does well this holiday season. Christmas in Gulf Breeze should be a fun time of year! We will be closed on Monday (Christmas day). The ASPCA website has a list of toxic plants to dogs and cats.