Believe it or not, the holidays
are upon us. Just as we get into the hustle and bustle of the
season, so do our furry friends. Our pets also get stressed in anticipation
for the increased activity that’s going on around them. It’s
easy to get out of our every day routines, but it’s really important
to maintain some sense of normalcy and safety for our pets.
Here are some helpful hints to help you keep your
pets safe and sound while you enjoy your holidays!
Keep pets away from holiday
plants! While plants can add to our holiday spirit, some of them
can be toxic to our pets, may cause severe health problems or maybe even
death. Plants to be concerned about are: Mistletoe, Holly and most Lilies*.
(*For a complete listing, check http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/.)
Surprisingly, Poinsettias aren’t lethal, but they can cause gastrointestinal
problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, if consumed, pine needles
can actually puncture an animals’ intestine. So, keep plants and pine
needles picked up and out of the way.
Don’t feed your
pet leftover dinner bones!! Bones can be extremely dangerous
to your pet. Poultry bones, in particular, can splinter easily and pose
many hazards. Every year, thousands of pets are treated for ingesting
bones of all types. This can be very painful and possibly even deadly.
Be sure to keep your trash secured so our four-legged friends won’t
go exploring and find something they shouldn’t.
Do not feed your
pet human food!! Fatty meats, rich gravies, poultry skin,
bones, chocolate and alcohol, amongst others, can cause serious illnesses
and toxic reactions in your pet. Vomiting and diarrhea are serious
enough, but pancreatitis is an
illness that needs prompt attention and may require hospitalization
and special diets. Something else to remember is that candy wrappers
and sticks, aluminum foil, ribbons and string can all pose a choking
risk.
Don’t add anything
to your Christmas tree water! It’s
natural! Animals see water…it must be drinkable…they
must have it! Even if it’s under the tree!! Adding chemicals
to the tree water may be very harmful to your pet. The best water
to use is un-tree-ted water. It’s safe for your tree AND
your pet!
Holiday decorating and presents can be dangerous!
*Tinsel – Pets, cats in particular,
are intrigued by tinsel and are very tempted to eat it. If you feel
the need to use tinsel, secure it high on the tree and keep it out
of reach of your pet. *Ornaments – Tree decorations can look like toys
to your pet. Playing with these “toys” can lead to breakage,
ingestion and life threatening emergencies. Broken shards from glass
ornaments can injure body parts. *Cords & Plugs – Long electrical cords and
plugs look like chew toys to pets. Be sure to tape them, hide or cover
them to avoid serious injury. Unplug lights at night and when you are
not at home. *Toys – Put away all toys and gifts and throw
away wrapping paper and bows after opening presents. Small toys, plastic
or cloth pieces are common causes of choking and intestinal blockages
and most often be removed surgically.
Keep candles out of reach! Candles can bring a special
ambiance to our holiday nights, but they can mean disaster if our pet
is left unattended with the smallest of flames. Please keep candles high
and out of reach or use battery operated candles. Also, be sure to use
a fireplace screen to protect from burns.
Be smart when sending your pet
outside! While it’s fine to leave
your pets outside in mild weather conditions, it’s very important
to practice good judgment when the weather is too cold (or too hot,
for that matter.) In cold weather, let them outside to do their business
and play a bit then bring them back inside. Letting pets into a heated
garage or basement area to play is a good idea to keep them warm and
keep you from worrying about frostbite.
Have an escape for your pet! Holiday
guests and activities can be very stressful and even scary to our pets.
Try to have a safe place in your house for your pet to “hang
out” in. Also make sure that
they are wearing an ID collar or have a microchip in case they happen
to get out as guests come and go. Stress can also increase thirst
because our pets pant more. Have plenty of water out to help alleviate
that thirst.
Keep a regular schedule! Help reduce stress
by keeping a normal feeding and exercise schedule. A regular schedule
keeps pets and people stress free!
At Cheshire Crossing Animal Hospital, the doctors and
staff consider dental health to be a top priority. A thorough examination
of the mouth with emphasis on the teeth and gums is an integral part of
every pet’s physical exam.
Disease of the gum tissue, known as periodontal disease, affects 85% of
adult dogs and cats. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to pain,
bad breath, and tooth loss. Over time, chronic bacterial infection of the
mouth can lead to disease in other parts of the body such as the heart
and kidneys.
We all know that caring for our own teeth involves frequent brushing,
flossing, and rinsing. And while we may have the very best...read more
