Ahhh Christmas. The season of good will, carols, and joy for all the world and ... hazards for your pet.
Keeping your pet safe during the holidays takes a bit of forethought and common sense. The most common hazards for pets during the holidays are food, candy, poisoning and oh the beloved Christmas tree. Even the change in routine can make a pet nervous.
Here are some tips to keep your pet safe:
Remember that food is the number one holiday hazard for dogs. The greasy and fatty foods that we eat can cause severe problems on an animal's intestines. Poultry skin, fat trimmings, rich gravies, and buttery sauces can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, or even worse, a life threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Tell guests not to give your dog food from the dinner table.
Keep alcohol away from your animals. An ounce of an alcoholic beverage can put a small dog into a coma.
Chocolate is the most common toxic treat during the holidays. Small amounts cause vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause above normal heart rhythms, nervous system malfunctions, and even death. Store chocolate candy or baking ingredients out of reach.
Make sure the tree is securely anchored so it cannot be knocked over by children or pets.
Fasten all your tree decorations securely, with the more fragile ones towards the top. Your dog will not be able to differentiate a glass ball from his play ball. Dogs who chew these can suffer cuts in their mouth. Popcorn and gumdrops can cause stomach upsets, so avoid using these strings of edible decorations.
Buy only decorating products (tree water preservatives and artificial snow) that are labelled non-toxic.
Make sure that cords are tucked out of reach. Better yet, keep all electric cords covered by a chew-proof guard. Puppies and kittens will chew on anything and electrocution can occur. Electric shock from a light cord will not always kill a pet, but they may burn the mouth and tongue.
Place mystery packages out of reach. Dogs can smell food in a package and will rip it open and consume the contents before you even have an inkling of what it may contain.
Place holiday plants out of reach and vacuum often. Poinsettia can cause drooling, oral pain, and vomiting. Mistletoe causes vomiting, labored breathing, shock, and death from cardiovascular collapse. When animals eat the needles from real or fake trees, they can also get intestinal blockage.
Reduce your dog's stress by maintaining its regular feeding and exercise routine.
Enjoy the holidays with your family and pets!
