- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays
Many people include their pet in holiday festivities . That ' s sweet and fun , but it ' s important to remember the risks and use extra caution throughout the holiday season . Here are some tips to help prevent a disaster or emergency visit to the veterinarian .
Christmas Trees :
• Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog or cat decides to tussle with or climb it .
• Do not decorate your tree with tinsel if you have pets . If they swallows tinsel , it could be a choking hazard , or cause an intestinal blockage that may result in surgery .
• Do not let your dog or cat drink tree water . It is full of bacteria and fertilizing chemicals , and could cause nausea or diarrhea if imbibed .
Plants :
• Holly , mistletoe , and lillies are popular , but toxic , holiday plants . Holly , when ingested , can cause pets to suffer nausea , vomiting , and diarrhea . Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems . And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested . Opt for artificial plants made from silk or plastic to be completely safe .
Decorations :
• Never leave a Menorah , Kinara , or lighted candles unattended . Pets can knock them over and start a fire quickly . Always put candles out when you leave the room . Or better yet , get battery operated ones .
Parties :
• While pets may like the extra attention they get from guests , the loud noise that accompanies most get togethers can be disconcerting . Provide a safe place your pet can go to if they get overwhelmed . A quiet room with their bed or crate and a few favorite toys is a perfect space for them to escape the excitement .
Food :
• Be vigilant about your pet ' s access to toxic holiday foods , such as chocolate , onions , grapes , raisins , bones , alcoholic drinks , and xylitol . For a complete list of toxic food , log on to - www . aspca . org .
• Instruct your guests not to indulge your pet with holiday treats .
• If you are giving food as a gift , don ' t leave it under the tree or another place your dog may have access to .
• Discard unattended plates quickly , and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans .
• Don ' t be tempted to buy colorful , decorative holiday treats for your pet ' s stocking . They are loaded with toxins and can make your pet sick . Choose better options , such as Kongs , which you can stuff with healthy snacks , like peanut butter ( without xylitol ), pureed pumpkin or carrots , yogurt , or unsweetened applesauce .
• If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance , call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center - ( 888 ) 426-4435 . It ' s available 24 hours a day , 365 days a year . There is a consultation fee , but it ' s well worth it to give you peace of mind or have them give you medical guidance .
Other Considerations :
• Use caution with gift wrapping , ornaments , batteries , ribbons , bows , and balloons , which can all be choking hazards or cause intestinal damage if swallowed .
• Have guests keep any medications out of reach .
• Tape down any wires and light strands so your pet doesn ' t get tangled in or chew on them .
No one wants to spend the holidays at an emergency clinic , especially your pet . Follow these helpful tips to stay safe , and have 6 a furry and merry holiday ! Pawsitively Pets -- December
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