Holiday concerns for pets

With Christmas trees going up in myriad living rooms, keeping pets safe and sound should be on everyone's minds.

Dr. Calvin Clements, a Palmyra, Pa., veterinarian, answered some questions at PennLive.com.

Decorations on the tree can pose hazards to pets. Calling them an "attractive nuisance," Clements said glass ornaments can cause serious lacerations to the mouth, face and feet of pets. And if swallowed, they can seriously harm the gastrointestinal tract.

The hooks that are used to hang ornaments? He said they can become lodged inside the animals requiring surgery to remove them.

Tinsel and garland become an attractive play toy to many pets. If swallowed, these can result in serious consequences that if not identified early results in fatality. Electric lights are often a beckoning call to be chewed and swallowed. Obviously this can result in electrical shock and serious electrical burns of the oral cavity.

Clements also talks about holiday plants being poisonous (or not), holiday treats causing stomach upset and traveling and having visitors making your pet stressed.

A little preplanning, as well as caution and common sense, and both you and your pet will enjoy the holiday season.

Photo: Michael Woyton/Poughkeepsie Journal file