During the Christmas season, pets are attracted to festive tree decorations, toys, and other adornments. Often they try to mouth or chew these items, which can lead to serious health risks. A veterinarian at a city clinic explained to the media the kind of threats holiday decor poses to animals and why quick, proper first aid matters.
When a tree sparkles with bright ornaments, a cat’s natural hunting instincts kick in. Pets may get carried away by playing and swallow pieces of the tree decorations or tinsel. As these long strands travel through the gastrointestinal tract, they can tear the lining of internal organs. There is also a danger that jewelry and strings can wrap around the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, causing a blockage. The veterinarian noted that removing such foreign bodies typically requires surgical intervention by a veterinary surgeon.
Dogs may also chew glass ornaments or garlands. In the first case, there is a risk of injury to the mouth and possible fragmentation entering the digestive tract. In the second case, if a device is plugged in, an electric shock becomes a real threat.
Puppies go through a stage of curiosity where they explore objects one after another. Sometimes this behavior reflects underlying gastrointestinal issues or psycho-emotional stress, such as a dog lacking sufficient energy. Therefore, it is important to ensure the safety of Christmas decorations and to seek guidance from a veterinarian, a dog trainer, or an animal psychologist if a pet shows heightened interest in inedible items.
If cats or dogs gnaw on branches, needles can inflame the oral mucosa and may be swallowed. In the best-case scenario, only a few needles pass through the system naturally, but any ingestion should be monitored by a professional.
“If a pet has swallowed a foreign object, first aid must avoid causing harm. For example, pulling the tip of a Christmas tree branch or a strand of tinsel from the rectum is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to the intestines. Some owners have used mineral oil to help a foreign object pass, but if the animal resists or the liquid enters the lungs, there is a risk of pneumonia because fat droplets can obstruct oxygen exchange,” warned the veterinarian.
According to the veterinarian, it is also not advisable to push for rapid digestion by feeding the animal large amounts of oil or fatty substances. If veterinary care is needed, a doctor may need time to flush the stomach and assess the situation, so it is best to seek professional help promptly rather than attempting home remedies.
In case of oral injuries, owners can carefully remove any lodged fragments or needles with tweezers. A gentle rinse using a syringe drawn with a antiseptic solution can help irrigate the mouth by directing the liquid away from the airway. This initial care should only be done if the pet is calm and cooperative.
In case of significant oral injury or ingestion of objects that could travel into the gastrointestinal tract, contact a veterinary clinic immediately rather than waiting for obvious warning signs. The surgeon emphasized that the longer a foreign body remains in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, the more damage it can cause to the mucous membranes.
For further guidance, a veterinarian stressed avoiding feeding pets from human holiday meals, as rich or seasoned foods can pose additional health risks for animals.