P1 / PET SAFETY

Pet Proofing for the Holidays

P2 / PET POISON / TOXICOLGY

Holiday Plants

P3 / FOOD SAFETY

Let’s Talk Turkey

P4 / PET POISON / TOXICOLGY

Toxic Foods for Family Pets

Veterinary

2016 SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION

Pet Proofing

News about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

Army Public Health Center

The holiday season is fast approaching. Soon, freshly baked cookies will fill houses with 

their sweet aroma, doors will showcase stunning wreaths, and towering trees adorned 

with strings of holiday lights and shiny ornaments will provide a holiday centerpiece. While 

decorating homes in the spirit of the holidays, it is important to remember that everyday 

decorations can be hazardous to your pet. Recognizing these dangers can prevent 

emergency veterinary visits and additional stress this holiday season.

One staple of holiday decorating is string. Twine, ribbon, and tinsel are used to 

decorate presents and hang ornaments. Did you know cats will often mistake 

string for a toy? String that is eaten can be caught in the small intestine and 

create an obstruction. String in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract causes the intestines 

to bunch like an accordion and may require surgical treatment. Prevent this 

hazard by not allowing your pets to play with string, tinsel, ribbon, or bows. 

Our feline friends are not the only culprits guilty of eating foreign objects. 

Puppies are infamous for mistaking holiday tree decorations for chew toys. 

Bright, shiny, low-hanging ornaments reflect light and are mesmerizing to pets. 

Ornaments can quickly be reduced to shards of glass or plastic if the tree is left 

unattended. If swallowed, glass and sharp plastic pieces can cause lacerations in the 

mouth and GI tract. Plush decorations within reach on the tree can be mistaken for a 

novel chew toy and quickly eaten by your dog. Foreign bodies in the stomach generally 

require removal by endoscopy or surgery. Prevent these hazards this holiday season by 

ensuring decorations on the tree are out of reach of your furry family members. 

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO

It is important to remember that everyday 

decorations can be hazardous to your pet.

“

”

for the Holidays
P2

The holidays are a time when pets can get into trouble by eating 

treats, playing with decorations, and snacking on holiday plants and 

ornamentals. The National Pet Poison Helpline is frequently contacted 

by dog and cat owners who are concerned that their pet ate part of a 

plant. But which ones are actually toxic? You should know which are 

the most toxic so that you avoid placing them in your home or, if that 

is not possible, know when to seek veterinary care if you think your 

pet has been exposed. If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant, 

contact your veterinarian for advice.

Lilies: Most species of lilies are toxic to cats. They are known to cause 

acute kidney failure and even death. The most toxic lilies are Tiger, Day, 

Asiatic, Easter, and Japanese Show lilies. Less toxic varieties include 

Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies. The less toxic types contain calcium 

oxalate crystals, which cause excessive drooling resulting from irritation 

to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus. Seek veterinary care 

immediately if your pet eats any part of the lily or even water from 

its vase. Treatment may include inducing vomiting, giving activated 

charcoal, evaluating and monitoring kidney function, hospitalization, 

intravenous fluid therapy, and supportive care. 

Plants: Holly berries and mistletoe are types of plants that are mildly 

to moderately toxic to pets. Christmas or English holly can make the 

stomach upset due to irritation from the spiny leaves. Potentially toxic 

substances that are in these plants (saponins, methylxanthines, and 

cyanogens) can lead to severe vomiting and diarrhea when eaten. 

English, Japanese, and Chinese 

holly cause 

toxicity from 

the 

saponins in the plant. The signs you will most likely see if your pet has 

eaten any of these plants are drooling, shaking the head excessively, 

and lip smacking. Certain European varieties of mistletoe cause signs 

of gastrointestinal irritation. If eaten in large enough amounts, they 

can result in low blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, collapse, the 

appearance of walking drunk, seizures, and sometimes death. The 

American mistletoe, when eaten by cats and dogs, usually only causes 

lethargy and vomiting or, less frequently, diarrhea. Keep these plants 

out of your pet’s reach. 

Poinsettias: Although poinsettias are commonly known to be 

poisonous to pets, they actually only cause mild signs such as drooling, 

vomiting, skin irritation (itching, swelling, and redness), and possibly eye 

irritation, which generally don’t require medical treatment. 

Other indoor plants: The umbrella tree and philodendron are very 

common house plants that contain toxic insoluble calcium oxalates. 

These plants cause drooling, pawing at the mouth, and eye and skin 

irritation. The mouth should be flushed out, and if the pet can drink, 

milk will help alleviate the symptoms. The Kalanchoe is a flowering 

plant that causes a low heart rate, depression, and weakness. If eaten, 

your pet should receive veterinary care immediately and may need 

to be hospitalized for monitoring and care. Finally, the Sago palm is 

extremely toxic to dogs, causing liver damage and gastrointestinal 

irritation, with a 50% survival rate. Seek veterinary care immediately if 

you suspect your pet has eaten any part of this plant, including the 

seeds, which are the most toxic part. There are many ornamental 

plants and trees that are toxic to our pets. The ASPCA does maintain a 

reference list of toxic and non-toxic plants and trees. The Animal Poison 

Control Center helpline number is 855-764-7661 and is open 24/7, but 

you may incur fees when contacting this helpline.

Twinkling clear and multi-colored holiday lights are commonly 

used to brighten trees and front porches. However, lights provide a 

risk of shock when pets bite on the electrical cord. Electrical burns 

can occur on your pet’s tongue and in their mouth. Fluid buildup 

in the lungs can also occur as a result of electrical shock. Shock 

can cause difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, and even 

death. Puppies and kittens are the ones most likely to chew on 

electrical cords and lights; however, any pet can chew on the cords, 

so monitor your pets and the lights closely during the holidays. 

Unplug lights at night or while away from the home. If you see your 

pet actively chewing on electrical cords or find evidence of chewed 

cords, seek veterinary care immediately. 

Enjoy this holiday season by celebrating with family and our fourlegged friends. Knowledge about common decorating dangers will 

prevent unwanted accidents and keep your pets safe this holiday 

season and through the winter. 

Pet Proofing for the Holidays

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE

> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at FT Leavenworth, KS

Holiday Plants

 If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic 

plant, contact your veterinarian for advice.

“

”

> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at FT Sill, OK 
> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at the Army Public Health Center (Provisional), Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 

As the holiday season quickly approaches, many of us are looking to 

spend some quality time with family and friends. Nothing draws us 

closer together than enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal with the 

ones we love, but things can take a turn for the worse if food safety 

is not kept in mind. 

The Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 

(CDC) estimates that 

approximately 48 million 

people get sick from 

foodborne illnesses 

each year. Of those who 

become ill, 128,000 are 

hospitalized and 3,000 die. 

Below are a few tips to 

keep you, your family, and 

your friends safe during 

the holidays. 

Know how long each food 

takes to thaw, prepare, and 

cook to avoid any time or 

temperature mishaps.

Do not combine shopping 

for your foods with holiday 

gift shopping. 

There are three ways 

to thaw a turkey: in the 

refrigerator, in a sink of 

cold water that is changed 

every 30 minutes, or in 

the microwave. A frozen 

turkey is safe indefinitely, 

but a thawing turkey 

must defrost at a safe 

temperature. When the 

turkey is left out at room 

temperature for more than 2 hours, its temperature can creep into the 

danger zone between 40°Fahrenheit (F) and 140°F, where bacteria can 

grow rapidly. 

For optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended. For more 

even cooking, it is recommended you cook your stuffing outside the 

bird. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the 

stuffing. The stuffing must reach a safe minimum internal temperature 

of 165°F.

If you choose to stuff your turkey, prepare ingredients ahead of time; 

however, keep wet and dry ingredients separate. Chill all of the wet 

ingredients (butter/margarine, cooked celery and onions, broth, and so 

forth). Mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey cavities. 

Fill the cavities loosely, and cook the turkey immediately. Use a food 

thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe 

minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Cook your turkey to the proper internal temperature. Always use a 

calibrated metal-stem food thermometer to check temperatures, and 

measure at the thickest part of the food. Set the oven temperature to 

at least 325°F. Place the completely thawed turkey with the breast side 

up in a roasting pan that is 2 to 21⁄2 inches deep. Cooking times will 

vary depending on the weight of the bird. To make sure the turkey has 

reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F, check by using a food 

thermometer inserted into 

the center of the stuffing 

and the thickest portions 

of the breast, thigh, and 

wing joint. Let the turkey 

stand 20 minutes before 

removing all stuffing from 

the cavity and carving the 

meat.

Refrigerate leftovers at 

40°F or below as soon 

as possible and within 2 

hours of preparation to 

prevent food spoilage 

and possible foodborne 

illnesses.

Always remember to wash 

and sanitize counters, 

cutting boards, utensils, 

and any other surfaces that 

will come in contact with 

food. Ensure you are using 

warm, soapy water. After 

washing, wipe or spray 

with a bleach solution and 

allow to air dry. To get the 

proper concentration of 

bleach, add 1⁄2 tablespoon 

bleach to 1 gallon of water. 

Always allow food-contact 

surfaces to air dry after 

sanitizing instead 

of wiping dry. Immediately clean up spilled foods. When serving

foods, always use a clean plate, and separate serving utensils for each 

food item. 

Practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands with soap and 

water after every chance of contamination: before handling food; when 

switching foods during preparation; and after smoking, eating, touching 

any part of the body, taking out the trash, playing with pets, or taking 

breaks. Use water as hot as you can comfortably handle and sing the 

Happy Birthday song to yourself in your head while washing. This will 

ensure you are washing your hands long enough (20 seconds). 

Bandage any cuts on your hands. Do your best to keep hair out of foods 

by wearing hats or tying up long hair. Keep fingernails neatly trimmed 

and clean. Remove jewerly from your hands and wrists before preparing 

food.

The holiday season is a very special time to spend with family and 

friends. There will be lots of preparation for big meals and shared 

bounty, so following these food safety precautions can assure wonderful 

gatherings and memories in your home.

Let’s Talk Turkey

P3

There will be lots of preparation for big meals 

and shared bounty, so following these food 

safety precautions can assure wonderful 

gatherings and memories in your home.

“

”
With the upcoming holiday season, families may be tempted to share 

seasonal goodies with their four-legged family members. What many 

people may not know is that several of these treats can actually be toxic 

to cats and dogs.

A common candy during the holiday season is chocolate, which contains 

a substance called methylxanthine. This can cause dogs to experience 

vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. Dark chocolate, especially 

baking chocolate, is the most dangerous type of chocolate for dogs 

because it contains the highest level of this substance. Therefore, take 

extra precautions to secure the chocolate in closed containers and to 

ensure it is out of reach of your pets at all times.

A newer problem is sugar-free foods. They may contain an artificial 

sweetener called xylitol, which can be found in some gum, candies, 

toothpastes, and even peanut butter. This causes severe low blood 

sugar levels in pets, which you may first notice as tiredness, vomiting, 

or seizures, which can lead to death if not treated. Even a partial pack of 

gum can make a dog very sick. This artificial sweetener is found in many 

products. Please check the labels carefully before feeding your pet a 

product labeled as sugar-free or ones containing artificial sweeteners.

Grapes and raisins (two foods commonly found in nut and fruit mixes, 

on fruit trays, and used in baking) can also pose a grave danger to your 

pets. If your pet eats sufficient quantities, it can lead to kidney failure. The 

toxic substance within the grapes/raisins has not yet been determined, 

but they still pose a threat to a pet’s health. If there are fruit trays out for 

holiday snacking or meals, keep them out of reach and away from pets.

Onions and garlic can be very dangerous to cats and also to dogs if they 

eat large amounts. These foods cause the red blood cells to break apart (a 

process called hemolysis) making cats and dogs anemic. If your pet loses 

enough red blood cells, they can become very ill and die. If you suspect 

your pet may have eaten these foods, seek help from your veterinarian 

immediately. The veterinarian will perform basic laboratory tests to help 

determine if your pet has anemia and if this may be a symptom and/or 

cause of your pet’s illness.

Cookies containing macadamia nuts may also be found at holiday 

parties. As few as six raw macadamia nuts can cause muscle tremors, 

weakness, vomiting, or a rapid heart rate in your pet.

Lastly, as tempting as it may be, do not share table scraps containing 

bones or fat trimmings with the family dog. The extra fat can cause an 

illness called pancreatitis, which may cause vomiting, abdominal pain, 

and in severe cases can be fatal. Bones can lodge in the animal’s mouth 

or throat, becoming a choking hazard, causing tears in the esophagus or 

even a blockage of the gastrointestinal system.

If your pet has eaten any food off of the naughty list, call a veterinarian 

as soon as possible. Some pets may only require minimal treatment, but 

some may need hospitalization for more supportive care and medical 

management. If in doubt about giving a pet a new treat or holiday snack, 

always check with your veterinarian to make sure the treat is safe for 

them to eat in order to make sure that your furry loved one stays happy 

and healthy this holiday season!

Comments or questions regarding content can be 

directed to ARMY-VSPublications@mail.mil

Locate your local Veterinary 

Treatment Facility at 

https://tiny.army.mil/r/JG66r/VTFs

Approved for public release, distribution unlimited. TA-349-1116 APHC Veterinary Services

Veterinary

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not 

necessarily reflect the official policy of the Department of Defense, Department 

of the Army, U.S. Army Medical Department or the U.S. 

Toxic Foods for Family Pets

If in doubt about giving a pet a new treat 

or holiday snack, always check with your 

veterinarian to make sure the treat is safe.

“

”

Goal of publication:

• Veterinary Connections is a quarterly publication written by Army Veterinary Services personnel and published by the Army Public 

Health Center to inform and educate Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

• One Health refers to the intersection and overlap between animals, humans, and the environment. 

• Army Veterinary Services personnel serve around the world supporting the Department of Defense as proponents for Animal Health 

and Food Protection.

> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at FT Leaonard Wood, MO