Newsletter
Top 10 Seasonal Tips!
- No Bones Please: Avoid giving bones to your dogs or cats, particularly turkey bones. Poultry bones easily splinter and can cause serious injury, while bone fragments can cause intestinal blockages or lacerations.
- Healthy Treats: Chocolate and other sweets should not be given to animals. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that can be deadly to cats and dogs, though not harmful to humans. The best thing you can do for your pets over the holidays is to keep them on their regular diet. Look for special animal treats instead of giving your animal’s cookies or sweets meant for people.
- Poisonous Plants: Many popular holiday plants are poisonous to animals including mistletoe, holly, ornamental pepper and Christmas rose. Remember to keep these plants out of reach of pets – especially birds. Poinsettias are not poisonous to pets or people. This has been a long-standing rumor perpetuated for decades. Having said this, some pets that have sensitivity to the latex contained in the plant, may get diarrhea or even vomit if they consume a poinsettia.
- Avoid Tinsel: If you have a Christmas tree and pets, you have a recipe for trouble. First make sure the tree is well secured. Try to place decorations above paw height and use string to hang the bulbs instead of hooks, which are easily dislodged. If possible, use non-breakable ornaments. Avoid using tinsel or angel hair. Cats and dogs will ingest both, which can cause intestinal problems. Cords for lights should be made inaccessible to pets – especially from chewing puppies and exploring kittens. Keep in mind that the chemicals added to the water reservoir of your Christmas tree to keep your tree living longer won’t do the same for your pet. The chemicals are toxic to animals, so keep the reservoir covered.
- Watch Toys: Avoid purchasing pet toys with small or soft pieces that can be chewed and swallowed. Nylon bones tend to splinter less then plastic ones. Be sure to inspect pet toys regularly and discard deteriorating ones.
- Dogs in Pick-up Trucks: It is never appropriate to transport a dog in an open pick-up truck – especially in winter. Wind chill plus slippery conditions, which result in higher accident rates, put your dog at risk. Bring your best friend up-front in the cab – or leave him at home where it is warm.
- Ice-Free Water: If you keep any animals outdoors during winter weather, be sure their water supply is checked twice a day to keep it ice-free.
- Anti-Freeze: Many people like the taste of antifreeze and will readily consume it when given the opportunity. However, antifreeze, even in the smallest amounts, can have a very harmful and often fatal effect on your pet.
- Salt: The salt, used to melt snow can irritate the pads of pet feet. Wipe off your pet’s feet before they lick their paws.
- Warm Engines: Cats and wildlife gravitate to warm engines during cold winters. Be sure to bang your hood to avoid injuring an animal in your engine.