Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital Encourages Awareness of Holiday Health Hazards for Pets

The Christmas season is a time for merrymaking, and no one would ever want to put someone in danger. This includes pets, and the animal care experts at Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital would like to remind everyone of the various holiday items that could put pets at risk.

"Ingestion of the (Christmas tree) needles may cause vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and depression," Claws & Paws' Dr. Julie Wickel said. The preservatives for Christmas trees are likewise unsafe, as Wickel said: "The sugar in the mixture entices pets to drink the liquid. The signs are more severe when the liquid is contaminated with bacteria or fungi."

Ingestion of many of the season's decorative plants are also hazardous, including: poinsettias, which will cause mild vomiting; holly, which results in vomiting, diarrhea and depression; mistletoe, which causes a mild upset stomach for a few leaves, and more severe vomiting, diarrhea and heart issues in larger doses; and different lilies, of which the chewing of a single leaf results in kidney failure, and all exposures must be considered life-threatening.

Many food items that are fit for human consumption are toxic to dogs and cats. This includes onions, macadamia nuts, rising bread dough, and grapes and raisins. Chocolate causes hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors and potential death.

Other items to keep away from pets include ornaments, batteries, potpourri, medications, tobacco, antifreeze, bones, xylitol (which is found in sugar-free gum), candles, rodent poisons, ice-melting products, ribbon, tinsel, and string and electrical cords.

"Puppies and kittens are tempted to play with and chew on electrical cords," Dr. Wickel said. "When a pet bites through an electrical cord, severe burns to the tongue and mouth may occur. Damage to the area around the heart can also occur, causing the pet's lung to fill with fluid. This leads to difficulty in breathing. These are emergency situations requiring immediate veterinary attention."

For more information about pet treatment and the other services offered by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital, please call 281-997-1426 or visit www.cpvh.com. Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital is located at 2556 E. Broadway St. in Pearland.

About Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital

Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital was founded in 1997 by Dr. Julie Wickel and has built a reputation as one of the finest veterinary hospitals in the area. Each day, Claws & Paws strives to provide the highest quality of medicine and service to all patients and owners. Each pet that exits its doors has been pampered and spoiled, as the vets fulfill their goal of courtesy and compassion with high-quality medicine.