12 Days of Christmas Veterinary Emergencies

The Christmas season is filled with gift-giving, holiday events, and family gatherings. While this time of year is full of joy and holiday spirit, it is important to remember the seasonal risks that exist for your pets. Holiday hazards are present and should be considered to help protect your pets throughout the season.

Whether you are decorating your home to outshine the Holiday Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens or planning to bring your pet to the Christkindl Market in Lawrenceville for photos with Santa, holiday dangers can be found both inside and outside the home.

In classic holiday fashion, the team at AEC Sandy Springs has created a 12 Days of Christmas Pet Emergency Guide to help keep your Santa paws safe this holiday season.

1. Tinsel, Ribbon, and Yarn

Tinsel on your tree, ribbon on gifts, and yarn used to knit a new Christmas sweater can pose a serious risk to pets, especially cats. These items are often attractive to pets and may be ingested. Long foreign materials such as tinsel, ribbon, or yarn can cause a linear foreign body obstruction, leading to vomiting, inappetence, and severe intestinal damage. This is a life-threatening emergency that often requires surgery. Keep these items out of reach and stored in secure areas when not in use.

2. Chocolate and Xylitol Toxicity

Holiday baking, sweet treats from friends and family, and candy-filled stockings can be tempting for pets. Unfortunately, baked goods, gum, mints, and chocolate, which are commonly found during the holidays, can be extremely harmful to dogs and cats. Xylitol, often found in sugar-free products, is highly toxic and can cause liver failure in dogs. Chocolate toxicity can result in gastrointestinal upset, neurologic signs, and death. Immediate veterinary care is required if ingestion is suspected. Rapid treatment can be lifesaving.

3. Fear, Anxiety, and Missing Pets

Holiday parties, overnight guests, and frequent visitors can increase stress and anxiety in pets. This may lead to behavior changes such as hiding, aggression, or decreased appetite. Increased foot traffic and open doors also raise the risk of pets escaping. Create quiet, safe spaces for pets, update microchip information, and consider discussing anxiety-reducing medications with your veterinarian during this busy season.

4. Electrocution

Holiday lights and extension cords used to decorate can be dangerous, especially for curious puppies and kittens. Chewing on wires may cause severe mouth burns, breathing difficulty, or fatal electrocution. Protect pets by covering cords, hanging lights out of reach, and limiting access when pets are unsupervised.

5. Toxic Plants

Many holiday plants can be dangerous to pets. Poinsettias, lilies, mistletoe, and holly can all cause toxic reactions in cats and dogs. Lilies are especially dangerous and can be fatal to cats, even with minimal exposure. Mistletoe and holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low heart rate, or oral injury. Any exposure should be taken seriously and evaluated by a veterinarian.

6. Dog Bites

The Christmas season often means visiting pets or new dogs staying in the home. Stress, loud noises, and unfamiliar animals can increase the risk of aggression. Introduce dogs slowly and never leave unfamiliar pets unsupervised. Watch for warning signs such as growling, stiff posture, pinned ears, or raised hair. Dog bites require immediate veterinary care due to a high risk of infection and complications.

7. Food Toxicities

Many holiday foods are toxic to pets. Grapes and raisins, often found in baked goods, can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Macadamia nuts may lead to vomiting, tremors, weakness, and elevated body temperature. Store all food securely to prevent accidental ingestion.

8. Travel Anxiety and Car Sickness

Holiday travel can cause anxiety, nausea, and motion sickness in pets. Whether traveling together or using a boarding facility, ensure pets are properly identified with updated microchip information. Speak with your veterinarian about medications that may help manage stress, anxiety, or motion sickness during travel.

9. Boarding Risks

Pets staying in boarding facilities may face increased risks of urinary tract infections, stress colitis, and respiratory illness. Reduced bathroom breaks, loud environments, and exposure to other animals can contribute to illness. Choose a trusted facility with proper care protocols, or consider an in-home pet sitter when possible.

10. Hypothermia

Cold winter weather can be dangerous for pets. Bring pets indoors whenever possible. If outdoor shelter is necessary, provide insulation such as straw or Styrofoam and protect pets from wind and moisture. Avoid bedding that can become damp and always provide fresh food and water.

11. Raw Dough and Salt Dough Ornaments

Raw bread or pizza dough can expand in the stomach, causing painful bloating or life-threatening gastric dilation and volvulus. Dough containing yeast can ferment and lead to alcohol poisoning. Salt dough ornaments also pose a serious risk due to their high salt content, which can cause vomiting, seizures, and death. Keep all dough and ornaments out of reach.

12. Holiday Bones and Christmas Treats

Holiday gifts for pets should always be chosen carefully. Large bones and treats can fracture, creating choking hazards, intestinal obstruction, or dental damage. Select durable, size-appropriate toys and treats that are safe and mentally stimulating.

Stay safe and warm this holiday season.
The staff at Animal Emergency Center of Sandy Springs is here for all your pet emergencies and wishes you a very Merry Christmas.