As we approach the colder months and the Holiday season, it is important to remember some dangers pets face during this time of year.
Antifreeze
Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol as an active ingredient which is toxic to animals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste. Because of this, dogs and cats will drink it. Antifreeze can be lethal, causing permanent, fatal kidney damage. Keep pets away from any spilled antifreeze or containers of antifreeze. Even antifreeze that has been diluted in the car's radiator can have enough toxic ethylene glycol to be fatal to your pet. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, call your veterinarian immediately.
Dietary Indiscretion and Pancreatitis
We all like to include our pets in Holiday meals along with the rest of the family. However, keep in mind that sudden, rich, high fat diet changes are likely to upset your pet's stomach. In general, any food your pet is not accustomed to eating has the potential to trigger intestinal upset. Foods too rich, too fatty or too spicy can all be the culprit. For some animals, the snack you sneak can trigger a serious, life-threatening illness called pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas.
No Bone about this One
Even the largest and heartiest of bones can splinter and irritate the intestinal lining of your favorite pet. While most of us know that poultry bones are unsafe, knuckle bones do tend to stand to vigorous gnawing. Regardless, always, always, always supervise your dog's chewing!!
And, for those pooches who prefer to eat bones rather than just chew on them.....you guessed it.....your safest bet is to avoid bones all together!
Chocolate
With leftover Halloween candy and Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, many of us have more chocolate around the house than at other times. The first problem with chocolate is the fat. Remember, in the case of pancreatitis, it is the fat that causes the problem. This can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and abdominal pain. In the case of chocolate toxicity, theobromine is the toxic ingredient. Theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures and cardiac arrythmias which can be fatal. Clinical signs usually occur within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion. The more chocolate liquor there is in a prodcut, the more theobromine is present. This makes baking chocolate the worst for your pet, followed by semisweet and dark chocolate, followed by milk chocolate, followed by chocolate flavored cakes and cookies. The effects of chocolate are proportional to the amount of chocolate ingested versus your pet's body weight. Remember, it takes nearly 4 days for the chocolate to work its way out of a dog's system. If the chocolate was just eaten, call your veterinarian immediately. If is possible to induce vomiting to rid the stomach of the toxic effects of chocolate.O Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is full of dangers for both dogs and cats. Tinsel, along with yarn, ribbon or string is certainly an appealing play toy for any pet. When ingested, it can twist and tie up the intestines. Ornaments, too, are extremely dangerous in the mouths and stomachs of pets. The water at the base of the Christmas tree can contain secretions of fertilizer and nasty bacteria that can cause serious health problems for our pets. 
Light strings and electrical cords are dangerous when chewed. So, use common sense when you are decorating and make sure your pet is supervised when around these items.One of the most important parts of winter and Holiday preventative care is knowing what to do in an event of an actual emergency. Be sure and have on hand the after-hours or emergency number for your veterinarian. Also, the ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center has a hotline: 866-426-4435 for questions and concerns about toxins or poisons your pet many ingest.
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