Holidays can create special dangers for pets. Each year during the various holiday seasons, thousands of pets are seriously injured or become ill. The holiday season is a busy time, a time of much planning, shopping, cooking and baking, rushing to and from parties and get-togethers with relatives and friends. Sometimes we forget about our little four-legged family members during the rush of festivities. They are curious and anxious as we, their caretakers are and there are many hazards waiting for their curiosity.
Pet Safety Lady states “holidays are great for the whole family, including pets, and there are some easy ways for us to put safety first for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas and New Year celebrations.”
Here are some vital tips to help keep your pets safe:
• Poultry bones can easily splinter and then lacerate your pet's mouth or throat or obstruct your pets' insides.
• Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing, can damage your dogs or cat's red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
• Chocolate has the potential to be fatal to your dog or cat so place those sweets well out of reach.
• Aluminum foil, wax paper and other food wrappings, if ingested, can cause intestinal obstruction. Make sure to place these items securely in the garbage.
• Provide your pet with a quiet retreat should the holiday festivities become too much for him. Watch his behavior to make sure he is not stressed.
• Keep outside doors closed and remind guests there is a pet in the house.
• Fatty, rich, or new types of foods can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, two medical conditions that can be very painful and even life threatening.
• Keep garbage cans securely closed. If your pet gets into it, he may think he's hit the jackpot. But all he'll be winning are health problems that can range from gastric disturbance, vomiting and diarrhea to the worst-case scenario; death.
• Plants poisonous to pets include holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, and Christmas rose.
• Pine needles can create problems if ingested as can the ingestion of tinsel, ribbons or garlands causing sickness or obstruction. So be mindful of these potential dangers when placing decorations around your home.
• Unsecured Christmas trees pose hazards to climbing critters as they can topple or be knocked over.
• Don't forget to prevent the ingestion of Christmas tree water since stagnant water or preservatives and pesticides from the tree can be toxic.
• Other holiday hazards include menorahs, liquid potpourri pots. Scented candles are very dangerous for pet birds.
• Breakable items such as glass and other ornaments pose a threat so be careful to place these out of reach. Electrical cords, heated decorative bulbs, hooks, and a wide variety of other adornment items create temptations. Use topical pet deterrents and barriers for protection.
• Nicotine poses a threat to your animals. Keep it out of reach.
• Chewed aluminum foil and e-coli are risks to pets.
• Store food in secure containers out of reach to prevent ingestion or poisoning.
• Holiday travel like any other requires a little extra thought with your pets. Be sure to secure your pets while traveling in a vehicle, take plenty of fresh water and if you are going on a long trip remember supplies for all their day-to-day needs.
The holidays should be a happy time for you and your pets. These useful tips will help you avoid an emergency visit to your local veterinarian. The food and decorations that enhance our holidays can be dangerous, even fatal, for your pet. Always be aware of the dangers that are around, and plan careful to avoid these potential hazards. With safety at the forefront of your holiday planning, you’ll be sure to enjoy a great time with your family, friends and pets.
You can email Christina@PetSafetyLady.com for some fun pet healthy snack recipes. Or any questions you may have about pet holiday safety.
Visit this link to see pet safe products.
http://www.barkbuckleup.com/Products.asp
Monday, December 14, 2009
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