The holidays are fun and atmospheric, but watch out with your pets. A dog or cat can grab a Christmas ball or needles from the Christmas tree. And the animals can’t handle that very well, animal protectors warn on their websites.
The first tip is already: “The water in which the sawn-off Christmas tree stands is unhealthy, because the juices from the tree are poisonous. So make sure that the dog or cat does not drink it, as this can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, gastrointestinal problems and even problems with the nervous system.”
Anyone who sees the list of dangers for their dog or cat can sometimes be shocked:
- A poinsettia contains poisonous milk.
- Mistletoe is very poisonous.
- The red berries of holly cause diarrhoea, vomiting and nervous disorders.
- Yew needles are very poisonous.
- Christmas rose causes irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
- Pine needles damage esophagus and intestinal wall.
- An amaryllis causes gastrointestinal problems.
And the list of warnings continues with foods, such as chocolate, and also Christmas decorations. The shards of a Christmas bauble are dangerous and cats, for example, react allergic to angel hair.
Two years ago cat Rudy from Oudheusden didn’t have such a nice holiday. He ate an entire Christmas garland and had his intestines cut open in four places to get the angel hair out.
The pendulum is clearly visible on the x-ray: