The holiday season presents a plethora of hazards way beyond too much catnip or too many gourmet doggie treats. Christmas lights, decorations, and presents under the tree all create opportunities for pets to get hurt.
Electronics are popular gifts during the holidays, and they could be a hazard for your pets as well. Make sure your pet does not chew on the cord of laptops, tablets, phones, or other electronics that are charging and plugged into an outlet.
Chewing on an electrical cord is the most common cause of electric shock in puppies, according Maureen McMichael, DVM, lead ER veterinarian at the Small Animal Clinic at the University of Illinois (U of I).
She said a puppy can chew a light strand or any type of live electrical cord and the owner may not realize it until a couple of hours later when the pup has trouble breathing. The Small Animal Clinic at the U of I sees 15 to 20 cases per year, she says, and the symptoms follow a predictable course: ulcers in the mouth and lesions on the tongue and gums. Furthermore, the contact with the live wire sends a surge of electricity through the heart and lungs, which eventually causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs.
She recommends enclosing cords in a long plastic or rubber cord protector that snaps shut to enclose and protect cords, and to pet proof your home much like you would for babies and toddlers. McMichael adds that puppies are the most likely culprit to get into electrical mishaps, and that most lose interest as they grow into adulthood. She said felines (and other pets) are more selective about what they chew on and are less likely to chew on an electrical cord, although it could happen.
Safe Electricity reminds pet owners to take these additional precautions not just during the holidays, but year round:
- Puppies and other pets love to chew on electrical cords. Keep cords out of sight or hidden with a cord cover. Provide teething or play alternatives.
- Watch your pet around dangling or sagging cords, including phone or tablet charging cables. Unplug charging cables once your devices are charged. This will remove the temptation and save you some electricity.
- Do not let your pets nap by or behind warm computer equipment or any other electrical devices. While it might make a cozy spot, it could cause trouble for your pet.
- Do not leave your pet alone around items that get hot: curling irons and straighteners, outdoor grills, cooktops, portable heaters, and other electric appliances. Pets can easily burn themselves. (Heating appliances — and especially space heaters — should never be left unattended.)
- If you find your pet has swallowed electronic parts, call your vet or pet hospital right away. It could cause a digestive blockage. In addition, the contents of many electronic devices are toxic.
- If your pet lives outdoors, bring it inside during thunderstorms. Outdoor dogs kept in cages or on chains are more susceptible to lightning strikes due their close proximity to metal.