Holiday Hazards
It's that time of year again! Time to break out the fine china, set up the guest bed and open our homes to our friends and relatives!
As we deck our halls, bake cakes, play with the children and visit with siblings, let's not forget that December is a particularly dangerous month for our four-legged friends. Here are a few things to watch out for this holiday season - and some precautionary steps to help keep trouble at bay.
Candy, Chocolate and Other Sweet Stuff
Delectable delights abound during the holidays. Remember that some of our favorite treats are terribly toxic to our pets. Chocolate is at the top of the list; it contains a chemical called theobromine, and a very small amount of it can be fatal to a dog or a cat. If you believe your pet has ingested chocolate, call your vet's office (or the local emergency clinic) right away. If possible, have the packaging from the chocolate on hand.
Chocolate isn't the only food not safe for pets. Xylitol is a sugar substitute finding it’s way into more and more sweet foods. It can drastically lower a pets blood pressure, cause insulin shock and liver damage within 15 minutes of ingesting.
For more information on dogs, cats and toxins, see the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Centers list at http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/a-poison-safe-home.aspx
Always check with a vet before inducing vomiting, as it isn't always safe. But when it is the best option, you can use hydrogen peroxide; your vet will tell you how much.
Decorations
Shiny objects are very attractive, particularly to cats. Tinsel is really, really dangerous. Small pieces of tinsel can wrap around various parts of the digestive tract, causing blockages. Tinsel is not digestible, so if it gets hung up along the way through your pet's system, it can only be removed surgically.
Glass and ceramic ornaments can also be problematic. Unfortunately, ornaments tend to shatter on impact leaving behind a ton of tiny, sharp pieces.
Extension cords and power cables should be tied together or taped down, so that they're less of a target for clawing, gnawing and other potentially electric behaviors.
Loud Noises and Stressful Strangers
Fireworks on New Year's Eve, boisterous guests, even a new, noisy toy - all can be stressful for our fuzzy little friends. Keep your pets indoors if you anticipate fireworks; if guests will be arriving or leaving, keep your animals away from open doors. Before you know it, a freaked out pet may run right out your door and down the block.
But fret not! We can help prepare for pet stress. We have a variety of remedies to help with anxiety, including several unconventional products for those with picky pets. No pills? No problem! Calming solutions can be worn, chewed or even plugged into the wall!
Chance
Pet Consultant at Nature’s Pet Market - Salem South
It's that time of year again! Time to break out the fine china, set up the guest bed and open our homes to our friends and relatives!
As we deck our halls, bake cakes, play with the children and visit with siblings, let's not forget that December is a particularly dangerous month for our four-legged friends. Here are a few things to watch out for this holiday season - and some precautionary steps to help keep trouble at bay.
Candy, Chocolate and Other Sweet Stuff
Delectable delights abound during the holidays. Remember that some of our favorite treats are terribly toxic to our pets. Chocolate is at the top of the list; it contains a chemical called theobromine, and a very small amount of it can be fatal to a dog or a cat. If you believe your pet has ingested chocolate, call your vet's office (or the local emergency clinic) right away. If possible, have the packaging from the chocolate on hand.
Chocolate isn't the only food not safe for pets. Xylitol is a sugar substitute finding it’s way into more and more sweet foods. It can drastically lower a pets blood pressure, cause insulin shock and liver damage within 15 minutes of ingesting.
For more information on dogs, cats and toxins, see the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Centers list at http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/a-poison-safe-home.aspx
Always check with a vet before inducing vomiting, as it isn't always safe. But when it is the best option, you can use hydrogen peroxide; your vet will tell you how much.
Decorations
Shiny objects are very attractive, particularly to cats. Tinsel is really, really dangerous. Small pieces of tinsel can wrap around various parts of the digestive tract, causing blockages. Tinsel is not digestible, so if it gets hung up along the way through your pet's system, it can only be removed surgically.
Glass and ceramic ornaments can also be problematic. Unfortunately, ornaments tend to shatter on impact leaving behind a ton of tiny, sharp pieces.
Extension cords and power cables should be tied together or taped down, so that they're less of a target for clawing, gnawing and other potentially electric behaviors.
Loud Noises and Stressful Strangers
Fireworks on New Year's Eve, boisterous guests, even a new, noisy toy - all can be stressful for our fuzzy little friends. Keep your pets indoors if you anticipate fireworks; if guests will be arriving or leaving, keep your animals away from open doors. Before you know it, a freaked out pet may run right out your door and down the block.
But fret not! We can help prepare for pet stress. We have a variety of remedies to help with anxiety, including several unconventional products for those with picky pets. No pills? No problem! Calming solutions can be worn, chewed or even plugged into the wall!
Chance
Pet Consultant at Nature’s Pet Market - Salem South
Comments
Post a Comment