Holiday Hazards


The Holidays can be enjoyable for everyone if a few safety precautions are taken.


 

The holiday season can be an exciting time for pets as well as people, but it also presents special hazards for our pets.
                On Halloween night it is safest to confine dogs and cats in a room away from the front door so they do not become scared or overly excited by the trick or treaters.   Do not leave your pet outside unattended around Halloween time as malicious acts often occur. Pet costumes are available but many dogs, and virtually all cats, do not enjoy being dressed up! If your dog does seem to enjoy the extra attention that a costume brings, always supervise him while he’s wearing it. Dogs can quickly become entangled and hurt or strangled in costumes and sometimes swallow pieces of costume. Also, keep all candles and jack-o-lanterns away from pets.
                                Chocolate toxicity is a particular concern during the holidays. It is best if your pet is never offered any chocolate at all. That way he may never develop a taste for chocolate. Baker's (unsweetened) chocolate is much more toxic than milk chocolate. Depending on the animal, 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can be fatal for your dog. It only takes 0.1 ounce of baker's chocolate per pound for the same effect. 
                Dogs and cats often suffer digestive upsets from overeating during the holidays just like we do. It is best to avoid extra treats, but if given, be sure that they are in small amounts and are not too rich or fatty. Mild digestive upsets can often be handled by withholding food for several hours, and then giving small amounts of a bland diet. Caution should also be used when decorating with anything edible. Large dogs, especially, may quickly swallow the gingerbread man and the hook along with it!
                Mistletoe is deadly to pets and should never be present in a household where there are cats or dogs. If eaten, the Animal Hospital of McHenry or an animal emergency clinic should be called immediately. Poinsettias are not as toxic as mistletoe but should also be avoided as they can cause severe irritation to your pet's digestive tract.
                 If a cat were to design the ultimate cat toy, he would probably invent the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, this association can be hazardous not only to the tree, but to the cat as well. Tinsel is particularly dangerous, and should not be used when there are cats around as many cats enjoy chewing tinsel. If swallowed, it can become lodged in their intestines and often surgery is required. Similarly, the string that is used to string popcorn or cranberries can result in the same problem in cats and dogs.No Description
                Both cats and dogs will sometimes chew on the cords of Christmas tree lights and sometimes even on the light bulbs themselves. The resulting electrical shock can be fatal. Applying a small amount of Bitter Apple or regular flavored Listerine (not mint flavored) to the cords before plugging them in will often discourage the chewing. If your pet does bite a cord and receives a shock it is important to consult your veterinarian even if your pet appears okay. Electrical shocks can cause oral burns and also fluid may accumulate in the lungs several hours later.
                The holidays should be a happy time for everyone and with these few extra precautions we can help insure that this time will also be a safe one for our pets.