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Here are some tips for keeping your pets
out of danger during the holiday season.
AVOID Holiday Food Items That Could Cause Problems For
Your Pet
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, )
- Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Fatty foods
- Salt
- Yeast dough
PLANTS
- Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements
could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger,
Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can
cause kidney failure in cats.
- Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If
ingested, poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach,
and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.
- Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular
problems. However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes
gastrointestinal upset.
- Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea,
and lethargy.
HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
- Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if
ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be
breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting,
nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.
- Electric cords- Avoid animal exposure to electric cords.
If they were chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Cover up or
hide electric cords, never let your pet chew on them.
- Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and
cause intestinal obstruction.
- Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause
ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the
gastrointestinal tract.
- Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the
gastrointestinal tract if ingested.
MEDICATIONS
Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the
reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold
medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet
pills are common examples of human medication that could be
potentially lethal even in small dosages. One regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers
in a 10-pound dog. Remind holiday guests to store their medications
safely as well.
During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited office
hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their animals without
their veterinarian's advice. Never give your animal any
medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many
medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used
inappropriately.
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Keep an eye on the temperature.
When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to keep your
pet indoors. Short-haired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept
indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
Keep your pet's coat well groomed.
Matted fur won't properly protect your pet from the cold.
-
Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze.
Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are poisonous if
consumed. Should your pet ingest any amount of antifreeze, contact
your veterinarian immediately.
-
Regularly check your pet's water to make sure
it's not frozen.
When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh
drinking water available. Animals can't burn calories without a
fresh supply of water, and if they can't burn calories, they'll get
cold. Also, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic water bowl
rather than a metal one, as your pet's tongue can stick and freeze
to a cold metal.
-
Use a damp towel to wipe your pet's feet and
underside.
Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of your pet's
feet and can cause serious injury if ingested. Another way to
protect your dog's feet is to purchase boots for your pet.
At Westmount Animal Clinic we have a
selection of Pawz boots available which are perfect for our
erratic weather here in Calgary!
-
Provide a dry, draft-free doghouse if you must
keep your dog outside for any period of time.
It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay down
comfortably but small enough to hold in its body heat. The floor
should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar
shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from
the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap
or heavy plastic.
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Slap the hood of your vehicle before starting
it.
Even though the bylaw in Calgary is to keep our cats indoors some do
get out. In their search to keep warm outdoors, cats often take
refuge next to a warm car engine or tire.
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Keep snow from piling high next to your fence.
A packed snowdrift will provide a boost for your dog to jump over
the fence and escape the safe confines of your yard.
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Indoors, make sure your pet sleeps away from
drafts.
Areas near windows or doors that lead outdoors may allow cold air to
seep in and keep your pet from staying adequately warm.
-
Compare the amount of exercise your dog receives
during the colder months to warmer months.
If your dog is indoors more at this time of year, it's probably
getting less exercise and may need less food. However, if your pet
is outside often in the winter months, it may need more food to burn
the calories necessary to produce more body heat
ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!
Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to
prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a
local emergency veterinary service, and the Alberta Poison Control
Center at 403-670-1414 in a convenient location. If you suspect
that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention
immediately. |
