by Gigi McWhirter
“Ho, Ho, Ho, I wanna go — but not to the emergency vet’s office!” says every animal and their owners. With the holidays and celebrations upon us, it is important to remember to keep your pets and their safety on your list.
Should your pet decide to sneak a ride in Santa’s sleigh, or the door or gate gets left open with all the additional activity, make sure your pets all have microchips and that your contact information for the chip is current with a chip registry organization, your veterinary office and your local animal care and control agency.
The www.aspca.org website offers a comprehensive list of concerns to be aware of including:
- Dietary changes: Stick to what your pet normally eats. Avoid offering them fatty, spicy and sweet treats. A slice of turkey may seem OK, but not if has been prepared with spices not OK for your pet.
- Wires, batteries: Wires can cause electrical shock and batteries can be toxic.
- Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias: May result in GI upset including diarrhea and vomiting.
- Lilies: Many varieties of lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.
- Christmas trees: Both artificial and live can tip over. The water for live trees is a breeding ground for not-so-great and potentially toxic bacteria.
- Candles: One whack with a happy tail or playful paw can result in a burn to the animal or worse, the house.
- Loud noises: Fireworks, horns honking, music, etc. can be frightening for your pet. Please offer them a safe and quiet space to help ease their fears. Talk to your veterinarian about medicinal or supplemental options, too.
- Trashy elf: Remove the trash filled with table scraps from the house and put it in the outside bin as soon as possible to avoid a midnight, pancreatitis-causing smorgasbord by your furry friend.
- Strings, ribbons and broken ornaments can do damage to the intestinal track that could result in an emergency trip to the vet and possible surgery.
- Snow globes are made with the same chemicals as anti-freeze, which is toxic to all animals.
- Salty dough ornaments: Can cause life-threatening electrolyte imbalances, even when dry.
- Medications: Not only your medications but your guests, too. Remind your visitors to keep their meds put away in a safe and secure spot. This includes medical marijuana or any other THC based product.
Happy Tails to You!
