For those allowing Santa to bring a new pet down the chimney this Christmas, or for those that have plenty of experience under the belt, it’s time for a refresher on winter hazards. There are many areas of safety concern during the winter for your pets. Some of these things are obvious like the cold temperatures, while others are less obvious like Ice Melt products. We will outline danger areas by topic:
Winter or Indoor Plants:

• Holly Berries: moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and mental/neurologic depression (lethargy, dullness).
• Poinsettia: mouth irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested; usually mild and self-limiting in small quantities.
• Pine Needles: could be irritating to the stomach and fallen needles should be swept up often
• Mistletoe: SEVERELY irritating, often leading to bloody vomiting and bloody diarrhea; 1-2 berries can be fatal!
• Lilies (Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and Casa Blanca): can cause acute kidney failure in CATS.