Interesting smells, but I’m not sure about the taste. Too much noise and too many people, but wait, is that a tree? With lots of sparkly stuff on it and under it? I can have that down in two minutes flat! I can have those boxes open in less than that!
Holiday Pet Tips
Oh, boy, food, people, people food, lots of petting, food, good smells, food smells, more petting, scraps of food, excitement, excitement over food, tables with food, oh boy!! Uh oh, don’t feel so good. Maybe too much food. Nah.
I love the holidays!
I love the holidays!
By Kathy Schreur Yes, the holidays are coming, ready or not, and they bring their own set of challenges concerning our pets. Here are a few tips for keeping everyone as happy, healthy and stress-free as possible. FOOD:
Our pets know our soft points and play it up during the holiday meals. You may want to feed your critters prior to the big meals in hopes of keeping them full, happy and not begging. However, if you and your guests cannot avoid the pleading eyes, you may want to put them in a quiet room until after the clean up. Turkey: Do not feed your pet any part of the turkey. The seasonings,
along with the skin and gravy, can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). In fact, avoid allowing them any rich, fatty food for the same reason. Scraps can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. The turkey bones are very dangerous since they can splinter and cause intestinal damage. The string that is used to tie the turkey can be very tempting and, if eaten, may tie up your pet’s insides.
Onions: Found in abundance in turkey stuffing and other dishes, onions
are toxic and can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Onion powder has the same effect.
Chocolate: Any kind of candy is potentially toxic, but dark chocolate and
THE TREE: Although holiday trees are not in and of themselves
poisonous, they still pose a hazard. After you have picked up your tree from the floor for the second or third time, and stepped for the umpteenth time on an ornament halfway down the hall from the tree, you will appreciate the tip to securely anchor your tree and place your ornaments high on the tree. Pets may chew on the needles and because they are sharp and indigestible, they can irritate the mouth and the digestive tract if they are swallowed. Clean up the fallen needles frequently for the same reasons. You may want to place a pet barrier or child’s playpen around the tree. Another hazard is the tree water. It often contains preservatives which are sugar based, as well as other toxic chemicals, such as fertilizers, insecticides and flame retardants. Also, if the water is allowed to become stagnant, it can contain bacteria, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
baking chocolate are particularly toxic. Chocolate can have an effect on the nervous system and cause urinary system problems and heart muscle damage in your pet.
Please do not use tinsel, ribbons or garland. If you do, keep them out of reach. These can become lodged in their intestines, cause obstructions, and lead to surgery or death. Decorating with food such as popcorn, candy canes and gingerbread also can cause problems if ingested by an animal.
which can cause bloat, severe pain, and a possible rupture of the digestive system.
Keep electric cords hidden or route them through a PVC pipe to ensure your pet’s safety. Animals may chew through a wire and receive a potentially lethal electric shock.
Uncooked Dough: Dough can expand and produce gas in the stomach
Fruits/Nuts: Grapes, raisins, and especially macadamia nuts, can lead to organ failure.
Alcohol: Any alcohol given to pets is dangerous and too much can be fatal. Eggnog can cause extreme diarrhea and also become fatal.
As you cook and clean up, remember, your pets have an excellent sense of smell and will get into the trash for that tasty bit of something that is inside the aluminum foil and eat it, foil and all. Empty the trash immediately or keep it secure, otherwise you might end your evening with a trip to the hospital. Also, it will keep them safe from e-coli.
PLANTS:
Holiday plants can and most likely will be explored and nibbled on. The following are hazardous:
OTHER: Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. As
your holiday visitors come and go, pets can easily escape through the front or patio doors. Make a special point to either keep them in a quiet room or know where they are at all times. Always keep your veterinarian’s or emergency after-hours hospital’s number handy, along with the number of animal poison control. Make sure you spend quality time alone with your pet every day. This will allow you to observe your pet for any unusual behavior or symptoms, and bring you some very much needed tranquility.
Holly: When ingested, holly can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Poinsettias: Can upset your pet’s digestive system.
Mistletoe: Is highly toxic, especially the berries, and can cause fatal heart problems.
Hibiscus: Diarrhea.
Lilies: Can be deadly to cats and can cause kidney failure.
Finally, remember the homeless animals at the holidays. Shelters and agencies are always in need of food, toys and donations. Consider giving yourself the gift of a shelter animal or giving a gift certificate for a shelter pet to a friend who has been wanting a companion and go with your friend to find that perfect companion.
Ivy: Certain types, such as English ivy, can cause severe harm.
May you and yours be healthy, happy, and safe this holiday season and throughout the coming new year. 6
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • November/December 2012