 Patty's Porch
TINSEL AND FOREIGN BODY OBSTRUCTION stomach. Foreign bodies such as toys, string, clothing and plastic can become lodged in the stomach or intestines and create an obstruction. Any household object your pet chews on can become a foreign body problem - even tinsel. Pets may eat tinsel or other household objects resulting in this life-threatening condition....
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Hints from Helen
'Tis the season to be jolly, and your pets want to celebrate as much as you do. They can't wait for all the festivities of the season.
If you are having company for the holidays, think about your pets' needs before they arrive. If your pet is shy or aggressive, make arrangements as appropriate. Guests may place food or drinks within reach of your pet or may feed treats without your knowledge. Dogs love alcohol and chocolate, but both are toxic.
Traditional holiday foods, like ham or turkey, are very tempting to dogs and cats. Remember that pets, dogs especially, can get severe intestinal problems and even inflammation of the pancreases (pancreatitis) from eating foods that they are not accustomed to.
Pets may try to swallow skewers and strings used to close the turkey, try to lick carving knives, or steal bones or items left in the garbage. Keep these items out of reach of pets. Bones should not be fed to pets because they could splinter causing bloody diarrhea or could get lodged in their intestine resulting in a life-threatening condition.
Cats like to chew on plants. Be careful with poinsettias. Although not severely toxic, ingesting poinsettias can result in vomiting and diarrhea.
 Pets love Christmas trees as much as you do. Cats may try to climb them and dogs seem to like to wag their tails in them. Pets can get cut paws or lacerations from broken ornaments. Dogs and cats sometimes like to mark trees with urine. Dogs like to eat ornaments and candy canes, wrappers and all. Many pets like to chew on light cords, which can shock or kill them. Dogs and cats eat tinsel, which can lodge in their intestines and cause a blockage. Make sure your Christmas tree is anchored to the wall or ceiling and avoid putting breakable ornaments on lower branches. Tape light cords against the tree or wall, so they are not lying on the floor. Avoid tinsel altogether.
Make sure your pets get plenty of attention and exercise during the holiday season. This makes them less likely to get into mischief. Check with us for more suggestions.
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  Ask the Demons
Q&A
Q. How can I keep my cat out of my Christmas Tree?
Norton: Why bother? Just let 'em at it!
Kenai: NO! You can't do that. Your cat could be injured climbing or break all your ornaments. Try these helpful suggestions:
· Introduce your cat to the tree before it is decorated.
· If your cat starts to climb it, use a sprayer bottle with water and give them a little squirt to distract them from tree climbing.
· Purchase several ornaments that are non-breakable bells and hang them on the lower branches. If your cat tries to pull on the tree or hide underneath it, you will hear it.
· A product like "Bitter Apple" or similar item, sold at most pet stores, is a great deterrent. Just follow the directions and spray on your tree to deter cats.
· Resist the urge to taunt your cat with Christmas tree garland and other decorations.
· Wrap lights tightly around the trunk of the tree rather than perching lights on branches.
· Avoid dangling ornaments and balls that can be knocked down and chased.
Have a questions for the Demons? Email them today! If your question is selected for next month's issue, we'll send you a FREE Bucks County VETS Travel Mug!
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  Winter Holidays are a time of baking and fun kitchen activities. Remember to keep toxic items, such as Baker's Chocolate, out of reach of pets. Better to let the kids lick the bowls than the pets. Remember that feeding pets foods they are not accustomed to can result in serious illness.
Here is a fun project for the kids and some good, healthy holiday treats for your pets:
DOG TREATS
 Ingredients:
½ cups water(add more water later if required)
½ cup oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup oats
Directions:
Blend wet ingredients together. Whisk dry ingredients together and mix into wet mixture to form a ball of dough. Roll out and shape. Put onto a non-stick cookie tray or lightly greased one. Cook 20 minutes at 400 F. Turn off oven and allow the biscuits to cool in oven until crisp and hard. Store in airtight container.
CAT TREATS  Ingredients:
6 oz. un-drained tuna
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/3 cup water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Measure all ingredients into bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Roll out to ¼" thickness and cut into treat sized pieces. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container. |
