Keeping Your Pets Safe from Battery Hazards This Holiday Season
This holiday season, while ensuring your home is safe for your beloved pets, consider the hidden dangers of batteries that come with new electronic gifts. Pet owners must be vigilant to prevent accidental ingestion or puncturing of batteries, which pose serious health risks to pets.
The Importance of Pet Safety During the Holidays
As excitement builds for the holiday season, pet parents face a unique challenge: protecting their furry friends from not only traditional hazards like Christmas trees and festive foods but also potential dangers lurking in newly wrapped electronic gifts. Just like keeping children away from Christmas presents, keeping pets away from unsafe items is essential.
Understanding the Risks of Batteries
A recent report from a major battery manufacturer reveals that the weeks surrounding Black Friday and Christmas are peak times for battery sales. Alkaline batteries, widely used in children’s toys, can be particularly harmful if ingested or punctured. More concerning are lithium batteries, which pose an even greater risk due to their potential for serious internal injuries.
Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, emphasizes the severe health risks associated with these batteries: “Punctured alkaline batteries pose a risk of causing severe tissue damage in the mouth, esophagus, and the entire gastrointestinal tract. If ingested, surgical or endoscopic removal may be necessary.”
A Real-Life Cautionary Tale
A recent incident involving a puppy named Nova serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by batteries. Owner Spencer Howald discovered that her puppy had managed to reach a pack of batteries that had mistakenly fallen from a mantelpiece. After chewing on one, Nova suffered painful blisters on her tongue and gums, requiring immediate veterinary care.
According to Howald, “We noticed a black spot on the couch and realized Nova had been chewing on one of the batteries. There was a puncture, the battery was leaking, and it caused blisters on her tongue and gums.” The veterinary team treated Nova for her injuries, providing her with medications to manage nausea and pain while monitoring her health closely.
Preventable Battery-related Injuries
The incident with Nova is not isolated. Dr. Schmid further explains, “While alkaline batteries pose risks, lithium button batteries are even more dangerous due to their size and the potential for burns from electrical currents. Nearly 17% of battery-related cases reported to Pet Poison Helpline last year involved lithium batteries.”
Emergency Resources for Pet Owners
The Pet Poison Helpline is a vital resource available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals facing poisoning emergencies. Offering treatment advice across all species of animals, their fee of $65 includes follow-up consultations as needed.
Contact Pet Poison Helpline: North America at 800-213-6680. For further assistance and information, visit www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
Conclusion: Vigilance is Key
As the holiday season approaches and electronic gifts abound, pet owners must remain vigilant. By taking proactive measures to manage battery hazards, pet parents can ensure a safe and festive environment for their furry companions. Remember, accidents can happen, but staying informed and prepared is the best defense for keeping your pets safe.
