|
Believe it or not, it’s that time of year – the holidays. The
holidays are a wonderful time for friends and family to gather at homes
to feast on wonderful food, drinks and atmosphere. However, during
this time of year, many wonderful holiday treats can be harmful, or
worse, fatal to your beloved pet.
I’ve
created a list to keep your pets safe in their home while guests visit.
And for you empty nesters, adult children (and perhaps grandchildren)
will be returning too! Perhaps many of them have not been around pets
recently. Below are tips for keeping your pets safe with numerous
guests and holiday atmosphere.
Holiday
lights are beautiful but the twinkling lights can entice your pet
(especially kittens or puppies) who will try to eat electric cords.
Monitor your pet near the beautiful Christmas tree or indoor twinkling
lights to prevent him from being electrocuted.
Ask all
your friends and family if any of the wonderful gifts they’ve given you
are edible. Despite the fact we wrap chocolates and place them under
trees, many dogs can find them and will open the box to eat them.
Chocolate is very toxic to dogs and can be fatal. If you suspect your
dog has opened an edible gift, it’s best to know the contents and take
him to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Time is of the essence!
Beautiful ornaments, tinsel and ribbons should be hung at the top of
your Christmas tree. Pets will be tempted by them and can eat them.
Glass bulbs can shatter and tinsel can get caught in your pet’s stomach
which can be fatal. Also, keep gifts that are decorated with beautiful
ribbon out of pet’s reach.
Keep
all platters away from pets. Many contain fatal yummies such as
chocolates or olives.
Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and ivy are toxic to pets. Do not leave
them in a place they can munch on them. If they do eat holiday plants,
take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Tell your
veterinarian the quantity eaten and if you know when it was consumed,
let her know. The more information you have, the better your
veterinarian can treat your pet.
Pawfriendly Landscapes - How to Share the
Turf When Your Backyard Belongs to Barney.
(Click
on the book to purchase a copy) |
|
Christmas tree water and pine needles can irritate your pet’s stomach.
Also, some Christmas trees are chemically treated and can be toxic to
pets.
Guests
can inadvertently leave doors and gates open. Pets being hit by a car
are the most frequent emergency at veterinary hospitals. Make sure your
pet has identification if he escapes. Also have lots of current photos
of your pet, just in case. The best way to prevent a pet from escaping
is to put him in a room where he’s comfortable. Since outdoor
temperatures will be cold, do not leave your dog outside when visitors
are at your home. This is unfair to your pet.
Keeping
your pet in their own room also prevents them from getting sick from
guests who mean well. Many guests can feed your pet table scraps. Many
of these scraps, such as chicken bones, turkey or ham can actually cause
your dog to choke. Meats can also make your dog sick, perhaps even
pancreatitis. Other fatty foods, such as cheese, dips, crackers,
desserts, etc. can harm your pet. If your pet will be among guests,
make them aware of these dangers and discourage them from feeding your
pet.
Prior
to starting your car in the winter, knock hard on the hood. Many
outdoor cats and other outdoor critters find engines warm and seek
protection during the winter.
Antifreeze is fatal to pets! A tablespoon can kill a family pet. Clean
up all spills and keep antifreeze away from pets.
Dogs
can dehydrate very quickly. They need lots of water during the winter
months. Snow and ice are not water substitutes for liquid water. Get a
heated source to keep water warm or change their water at least two
times a day.
Remove
ice melt from your dog’s paws and coats. The synthetic ice melt can
cause severe irritation to your pet’s coat or paws. There is a pet
friendly ice melt available at most Petsmarts and Petco’s. It’s best to
use this product for your dog.
Most
importantly, keep your veterinarian’s phone number, Poison Control and
the ASPCA’s number handy – Poison Control’s number is 1-800-222-1222
and the ASPCA’s phone number is 1-800-426-4435.
The
holidays are so much fun for everyone but let’s keep it safe for your
family pet. Follow these guidelines and you and your pet will enjoy
future holidays together.
For
more information please go to
www.pawfriendlylandscapes.com
|
