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Toxic Holiday Stuff from the griff list: From the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC)
| PLANTS Mistletoe - Very toxic, all parts, especially the berries
Holly - Moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves.
Poinsettia - Leaves and stems low in toxicity. Christmas Greens such as Balsam, Juniper, Cedar, Pine, & Fir - All parts of these plants have a low level of toxicity.
| HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Bubbling Lights - Moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.
Fireplace Colors (fire salts) - Moderate to lethal toxicity, symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and a variety of other
manifestations, including convulsions.
Angel Hair (spun glass) - Low toxicity; can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
Christmas Tree Preservative Solution - Low toxicity, depending upon
formulation and quantity ingested.
Snow Sprays & Snow Flock - Low toxicity, dry particles are inert;
however, toxicity from inhalation can occur if sprayed directly in mouth.
Styrofoam - Low toxicity; can cause choking from mechanical obstruction.
Christmas Tree Ornaments - Non-toxic, but mechanical irritation or
obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract can occur if ingested.
Icicles (tinsel) - Non-toxic, however intestinal obstruction and choking
are potential problems.
Snow Scenes - Toxicity may come from organisms possibly in the water, most notably Salmonella.
| *** Read label warnings on all decorations and take the necessary
precautions to protect your pet. ***
| GIFTS & MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Button Battery (disk battery) - Caustic, potentially high toxicity
depending upon the position of the battery in gastrointestinal tract.
Aftershave Lotion, Colognes, Perfumes, Alcoholic Beverages - Ethanol in
various concentrations is moderately toxic depending upon the amount
ingested. The high concentrations of essential oils in true perfumes are
especially toxic.
Plastic Model Cement - Moderate toxicity.
Epoxy Adhesive - Uncured hardener: moderate to light toxicity. Uncured
resin: low toxicity, primarily irritation and sensitization.
Adhesives, Super Glue - Low toxicity, most difficulty occurs when eyelids
become bonded together.
Artists Supplies: Crayons, Felt Tip Markers, Pencils, Water-based Paints - Low toxicity; however, may cause more than a mild mucous membrane and
gastrointestinal irritation.
Petroleum-based Paints - Low toxicity; primary concern is possibility of
aspiration.
Toys - Avoid toys with parts small enough to be pulled off and swallowed
and toys painted with toxic materials, etc. Use same precautions as with
children. | |
From the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC), a non-profit,
cost-recovery program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University
of Illinois in Urbana, IL. - If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, you should call your veterinarian or you can call the NAPCC. This is not a free call.
Telephone numbers for the NAPCC are: 1-800-548-2423 ($30 per case, credit card only; free follow-up calls until problem is resolved.) 1-900-680-0000 ($20 for 5 min., $2.95 per min. thereafter.) |
 The links page leads you to the AVMA's Pet Owner's Guide to Common Small Animal Poisons.
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