Published: December 11, 2007 09:32 am      

Veterinarians give tips to keep pets safe, happy through holidays

JACKSONVILLE — Christmas is usually a time of great cheer, but when a family’s four-legged friend gets sick, it can get less than festive fast.

Local veterinarians want to remind pet owners of the dangers holiday trappings can pose to family pets and offer some tips to avoid potential hazards.

 ”Every season we get an increase in emergency calls,” Alto veterinarian Dan Kessel said. “There are three categories that are most common — the inappropriate consumption of an ornament or decorative material, injuries caused from chewing electrical cords and chocolate consumption.”

Kessel said the most common holiday emergency is caused when a pet eats something they aren’t supposed to — whether it be edible or not.

Ornaments, metallic tinsel and even ribbons and bows can all cause blockages in the digestive system, often requiring surgery to remove. Small or breakable ornaments that can be swallowed and cause tummy problems, are best placed higher up on a tree. Put the larger, less intriguing ornaments at the bottom.

Also, make sure electrical cords are stowed away so pets can’t chew on them or unplugged so if they do get chewed, they don’t cause injury.

Chocolate, coffee and tea are big no-nos for your cat or dog, according to the Web site PetEducation.com. All three items contain xanthine, which is dangerous and toxic to animals.

“Chocolate is especially a problem because pets love its flavor,” PetEducation.com states. “Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits; but all chocolate, fudge and other candy should be placed out of a pet’s reach.”

Other foods like gravy or grease can cause everything from upset stomachs to pancreatitis. Alcohol, too, should be kept away from animals as it can cause serious intoxication. Try to pick up and rinse empties quickly during holiday gatherings so a beloved pet isn’t attracted to the new smells.

But food isn’t the only thing a pet owner should be aware of. Some seasonal plants — including holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and hibiscus plants. If you decide to decorate with these items, make sure these plants are well out of a pet’s reach, or opt for imitation holiday plants.

While Christmas trees aren’t poisonous, they can create a whole different set of perils for curious animals.

Trees should be placed in a stable stand and secured to a window or wall, if possible, to avoid tipping.

 “Just be careful,” Jacksonville vet Ira Stephens said. “There are many things out there that just aren’t good for pets. Nobody wants to see a beloved pet get sick, at any time of the year.”