Many people deck their barn aisles with festive decorations to get in the holiday spirit, but it's prudent to be sure the items being used are safe for horses and other animals often found in barns: dogs and cats.
Spruce and pines in the form of wreaths or boughs are fine, but any sap ingested might cause a mild irritation to soft mouth tissue. These items are safe to use, but are best hung out of reach of inquisitive equines.
Holly leaves and berries are mildly toxic to horses, but pose more of a risk to dogs and cats. Animals that ingest holly may have severe gastrointestinal issues, according to The Horse.
One seasonal plant that should be avoided completely is mistletoe. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset, difficulty breathing, cardiovascular collapse, a slow heart rate, and erratic behavior in horses, dogs, and cats.
Poinsettias, often used in holiday décor, are mildly toxic to horses, dogs, and cats, but only if ingested in large quantities.
Additional décor options, like tinsel, can block the digestive tract if ingested; lights may pose electrocution and fire risks. It's wise to consider using LED lights, which tend to run cooler; every light should be outdoor-use safe. If using a live Christmas tree, it should be watered regularly to prevent combustion.
Read more at The Horse.
The post Dangerous Décor: How To Keep Horses Safe This Holiday Season appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
