The holidays are a time of love, laughter, family, friends, and good fellowship. As four-legged furry family members, our dogs and cats often participate in all of the family traditions that fill the holiday season: Santa pictures, new outfits, stockings, and often new playthings. But before you go filling up Fido’s stocking with new toys and tennis balls, you may want to consider Cannon’s story.

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Cannon’s calamity

Cannon, a 5-year-old male Saint Bernard, came to Reber Ranch Veterinary Hospital because he was not acting like the sweet, gentle giant he normally is-in fact, we would soon find out that he was very sick. Cannon’s mom and dad noticed that he wasn’t eating, and they brought him to us to find out what was wrong. After an exam and some x-rays, we found out that Cannon had eaten something that he shouldn’t have. After a day of fluid therapy and medications, the foreign object just wouldn’t pass and Cannon was taken to surgery. During surgery, a small stuffed animal (actually, it was a stuffed Saint Bernard toy!) was removed from Cannon’s intestines, and we are happy to report that he made a resounding, full recovery.

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Intestinal blockages occur when dogs and cats eat things (foreign bodies) that won’t pass through their gastrointestinal tracts. These can be emergencies, because blood supply is quickly cut-off by the object, and the intestines can start to become necrotic, or dead. Not every foreign object will show up on x-rays; Cannon was lucky because the toy he ate contained metal components that showed up as bright white on his x-rays, so it was easy to tell that he had eaten something he shouldn’t have. Toys, chew bones, tennis balls, and so forth are normally very safe to give to dogs. However, if you have a dog or cat who likes to chew up and swallow things they shouldn’t, you may want to avoid purchasing and giving them altogether.

Poinsettias and other perils

  • Christmas decorations come with their own set of risks-tinsel, ornaments, garland, and lights can become foreign bodies if ingested.
  • Try not to leave bowls of nuts and candies around, and be mindful of what you put in the Christmas tree water (fertilizers are toxic).
  • Don’t leave out unbaked dough on the counter.
  • Mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, lily, and poinsettias are all toxic when ingested.
  • Make sure your pets have a safe haven to escape the added stress visitors can bring.

By following these simple suggestions, you and your family (furry and otherwise) can have a happy and safe holiday season.