Thank you to Torrington Animal Hospital for putting this list together! With the holidays here these are excellent reminders on how to keep our family pets safe during the busy season when there are many different activities going on that can affect our pets. May you and your pets have a safe, happy holiday season.
The
holiday season is here! Plan a comfortable and safe holiday for the
four-legged members of your family with these following tips:
v Decorate safely.
There are a variety of decorations that can cause problems for your
pet. Light cords, when chewed or frayed, can cause severe burns or
electrocution. Ribbons and tinsel can also lead to trips to the
emergency room, often resulting in complicated surgery or even death.
Prevent these disasters by keeping decorations out of your pet's reach.
v Mind your holiday plants.
Mistletoe and poinsettia are poisonous, and ingested pine needles can
cause digestive tract blockage. Keep your pet away from these plants and
you just might save yourself a trip to the emergency room.
v Keep human food for the humans, and pet food for the pets. Table
scraps aren't pet snacks. Many holiday foods are loaded with fat and
sodium, and can cause stomach upset or worse. Turkey bones can easily
get stuck in the digestive tract.
v Keep trash barrels and compost bins secure. Dumpster diving dogs often suffer from pancreatitis and other discomfort when dining on leftovers.
v Provide solitude.
Guests may cramp your pet's style - keep his or her favorite place free
from holiday hubbub so your pet can relax and get away.
Make holiday trips safe and prepare for them well in advance.
Take precautions when traveling with your pet no matter how you choose
to travel. Several days before departing, consult with your veterinarian
about how to properly prepare for your trip
