Caring for your pet during the Holiday Season is just a matter of being aware of your surroundings and taking precautionary measures  to eliminate potential hazards to your companion animals.  There are simple things you can do to ensure your companion animals enjoy the Holiday Season.

Here are 10 pet care tips for a safe Holiday Season:

1.  Food –  There are certain food items you do not want to give to Fido and Kitty.

• Chocolate – This is of special concern because it can be fatal.  Dogs and cats are at severe risk if they consume any type of chocolate.  The culprit is the caffeine and theobromine content.  Effects of ingesting chocolate may include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, excessive thirst and urination, tremors, seizures and death.  Even white chocolate poses risks.  Best approach, NO sweets at all.

• Macadamia nuts – Consuming macadamia nuts can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea or inflammation of the pancreas.  It may also trigger severe weakness in a dog’s hind legs, almost like paralysis.  Although this is usually a temporary condition lasting one to three days, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Grapes and raisins – They are toxic to dogs and cats; they may cause kidney failure.  Avoid them altogether.  Presently, the causes for toxicity are unclear.
• Yeast / bread dough -  Intestinal blockage could be the result of ingesting bread / yeast dough, as the dough continues to rise when ingested.  Other symptoms could include upset stomach, diarrhea or inflammation of the pancreas.
• Xylitol – Again, no sweets is the best remedy.  This sugar substitute, found in gum, toothpaste and baked goods, will cause blood glucose (sugar) levels in a dog to drop rapidly, a hypoglycemic condition.  Immediate attention is required in the event this happens.  If not treated properly, this poisoning causes liver failure.
• Avocado – Persin, a fungicidal toxin found in avocados, is dangerous to dogs and cats Consuming avocados may cause vomiting and diarrhea. For other animals, such as birds and rodents, it could be fatal.
• Other foods to avoid are coffee, fatty foods, salty foods, alcoholic beverages, milk, onions, garlic, chives, cooked bones.  Symptoms for ingesting these range from vomiting to death.

2.  Decorations – Have dangling Holiday light strands, breakable ornaments, strings and other risky decorations out of paws’ reach.  When ingested, they may cause chocking and intestinal problems.  Also, ensure electrical wiring is tucked out of sight and lights are unplugged when no one is present.

3. Holiday Plants – Mistletoe and holly berries can be toxic to your pets causing vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and cardiovascular problems. Lilies, hibiscus and Christmas roses may also pose risks.  However, the poinsettia is harmless.

4. Holiday Travel – Before embarking on your journey with your pets, ensure  they are wearing their identification tags or are microchipped.  Safely secure your pets with a pet carrier, barrier or seatbelt harness if traveling by car.  Frequent stops to allow Fido (not Kitty, as she might run away) to exercise and relieve himself will make the trip more enjoyable.  If your companion animals are stressed out about the trip, consider giving them Rescue Remedy, a flower essence.

5.  Medications – To prevent any accidents, ensure both human and/or animal pharmaceuticals are well out or reach and securely locked away.  Medications should never be left unattended in the presence of pets and small children, in particular.

6.  Christmas Tree – Secure your tree to prevent your curious and playful pets from tipping the tree. Remove the standing tree water as it may contain bacteria and leached fertilizers, which, if ingested, may cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

7.  Anti-freeze – Immediately clean up any spills and flush the area with water, as animals are attracted to its sweetness.  Antifreeze is a lethal poison for cats and dogs and other small animals.  Consider using safe antifreeze, the non-lethal type containing propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol, the lethal type.

8.  Party Noise – The Seasons celebrations can be a bit stressful or outright freightening to your furkids.  Loud and unexpected noises, such as noise-makers to welcome the New Year, can send Kitty and Fido flying out an open window or door.  Consider using Rescue Remedy to ease the celebrations’ excitement.

9.  Candles – Extinguish the candles when you leave the room.  This will prevent any burns by a curious furkid, or worse, a fire.

10.  Vacuum often – This will reduce your pet’s exposure to toxic chemicals introduced from the outside.  By removing your shoes and guests doing the same, Fido and Kitty will have a safer and healthier environment.  Remember, they are constantly on the ground.

By taking some simple precautions, caring for pets during the Holidays will ensure your festivities remain joyous and healthy throughout the season.

Marisa

Technorati Tags: antifreeze poison, caring for pets, caring for your pet, during the holiday season, pet care tips, the green holiday