Electrical Injury is the Most Common Injury in Household Pets

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Electrocution from chewing on an electrical cord is the single most common type of electrical injury in household pets. And the number one cause of death in Cats at Christmas time.

A pet that chews on christmas light wires can burn its mouth or even suffer electrocution. Make sure that all electrical cords are well out of the way of pets by bundling them up, covering them with electrician’s tape or placing them inside a plastic cable collector. This is especially important with young animals or during the holidays when lights are put up around the house and Christmas Tree. Keeping your pet protected from the dangers of the Christmas Tree is one of the goals of the Christmas Tree Defender.

If you come across a pet that has been rendered unconscious from chewing on an electrical cord, turn off the electricity before you touch him! Have someone call your vet and drive you there as you administer CPR. Death can results from cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Even if your pet is conscious, electrical shock can cause severe damage to the tissues of the mouth and can result in fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) that is characterized by breathing problems and coughing. You will need to take your pet to the vet in any case. CLICK HERE for more information on Electric Cord Bite Injury in Cats.