Avoid the Hazards of the Holidays
Somehow the year has already flown by and we’re back in school and already planning for the upcoming holidays.Yikes! As the race toward the end of the year begins, it’s time for a brief reminder of the potential hazards for pets that lurk with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Halloween
The best night of the year according to my children, but one that can be a scare fest for pets. Here are some great safety tips from the ASPCA:
• No sweets – the yummy treats in the candy bowl can contain chocolate, and many also now contain the sweetener Xylitol that can dangerous for dogs and cats.
• Wires and cords from decorative electric lights should be kept out of reach – if chewed, they can lead to burns or possibly a life-threatening electric shock.
• Cool costumes can become a source of stress – don’t dress up your pet unless you know through prior testing that the costume is not going to freak them out. And, if they are going out in costume, make sure that it doesn’t constrict movement or hearing. Watch out for and remove any dangly bits that could be easily chewed off.
• Greetings at the door – most pets will get a bit stressed by the constant traffic of Halloween; put them somewhere safe and quiet away from the bustle to reduce stress.
• Guard the door – make sure that your cat or dog doesn’t dart out the door with the frequent openings and closings. And, make sure that they have proper ID with a collar and tags or a microchip.
Thanksgiving
The extravaganza of food is pretty wonderful, but that crazy kitchen that provided the loaded table hides many hazards. Keep feeling grateful about your pets with the following tips from the North Shore Animal League:
• Keep rich, fatty foods away from pets to avoid upsetting their GI tract or even leading to painful pancreatitis. Maintain normal food and walks to avoid diarrhea and other upset tummy mishaps.
• No bones – particularly bird bones, but many bones can lacerate or obstruct the intestinal tract.
• Grapes & raisins – so yummy in salads and desserts for humans, they are no-no’s for cats and dogs as they can lead to kidney damage.
• Food wrappers and trash cans can be really enticing – make sure they are properly thrown away and out of reach to pets to avoid ingestion that can lead to intestinal obstruction and/or vomiting and diarrhea.
• Quiet time – when there’s a houseful of guests, even the cats and dogs get tired; ensure that they have a quiet retreat when needed.
Christmas
It may be the most wonderful time of year, but offers its own host of risks for our pets. Seems a little early, but it’s really just around the corner and this advice from ASPCA will be welcome:
• Anchor your tree to the ceiling to avoid it crashing down during pet investigation or play.
• Tinsel is terrible for pets – avoid using on trees or plants to prevent ingestion that can lead to intestinal issues.
• Special and breakable ornaments should be safeguarded by placing high on the tree or in a pet-safe location.
• Tree-water can be a source of stomach upset from either the preservative chemicals or just becoming dirty and full of needles.
• Seasonal plants such as poinsettias, holly and mistletoe are beautiful, but can lead to severe stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea or worse, so make sure they are safely out of reach.
Go enjoy the holidays in style – while keeping your pets safe!!
Dr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet.com