Veterinary

2017 News about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

Army Public Health Center

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. 

Holiday Plants 

Can Get Pets Into Trouble

> Article contributed by MAJ Danielle Tulloss, DVM, Branch Chief, FT Leavenworth, KS

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO

P1 / PET POISON / TOXICOLOGY

Holiday Plants Can Get Pets 

Into Trouble

P2 / PET SAFETY

Pet Proofing for the Holidays

P3 / FOOD SAFETY

Let’s Talk Turkey

P4 / PET POISON / TOXICOLOGY

Toxic Foods for Family Pets

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION

Approved for public release, 

distribution unlimited .
P2

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE

Holiday Plants Can Get Pets Into Trouble

> Article contributed by CPT Aidan Wolf, DVM, 

Branch Chief, FT Sill, OK 

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. 

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 four-legged 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

Enjoy this 

holiday season 

by celebrating 

with family and 

our four-legged 

friends.

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.

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. 
P3

> Content contributed by CW5 Christopher Finch, Veterinary Services and Public Health Sanitation Directorate, Army Public Health Center

milPetEDAPP

Available for 

Let’s Talk Turkey

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.

Download milPetED this holiday season

Free

Easy to use

Find a Veterinary 

Treatment Facility 

near you

The Military Pet Education (milPetED) Mobile application is the one 

place Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees need to go to obtian 

animal health information, tips, and resources. 
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 sugarfree or ones containing artificial 

sweeteners.

Toxic Foods for Family Pets

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!

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Goal of publication:

• Veterinary Connections is a quarterly publication written by Army Veterinary Service 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 Service personnel serve around the world supporting the Department of Defense as proponents for Animal Health and 

Food Protection.

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> Article contributed by CPT Crystal R. (Cunningham) Doyle, 

DVM, Branch Chief, Ft. Leonard Wood Veterinary Services

Veterinary