We love the holidays, but some longtime traditions can pose health dangers to our best four-legged friends. Yvette Gonzales, owner of As You Wish Pet Sitters in Highlands Ranch, Colo., and current board member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, sees many pet-owners leaving food out on the kitchen counter. “At this time of year, we’re busy in the kitchen preparing food and it’s easy to forget that anything not securely locked away in a cupboard or refrigerator is a magnet for your dog or cat.”
Gonzales also advises that even the friends and family we welcome into our homes need to be monitored closely. “The general hustle & bustle is magnified, and visitors are often unaware of the fact you may have a dog or cat that’s an escape artist. Best to keep pets confined in a safe area until the guests have gone. That way you can take comfort in the fact your pet won’t dash out when someone lingers at the door, or doesn’t take care to watch carefully when leaving.”
A last big issue: “Purses or bags left on the floor that dogs can get into,” she says. Especially watch for medication or sugar-free gum. “Xylitol, a sweetener used in sugar-free gum, candy and some baked goods can be toxic and possibly life-threatening to dogs,” she says.
While some of these tips may seem obvious, reminders never hurt. We’ve gathered a variety of helpful hints from the Internet to help keep our pets safe and happy during this busy time of year.
Keep this number handy …
ASPCA animal poison control center:
1-888-426-4435
There is a charge assessed for the call
From ASPCA.com, the top holiday dangers are:
Holiday foods, including “strings and things”
Unattended alcoholic drinks
Floral arrangements and yuletide plants
Tree ornaments and Christmas-tree water
Electrical cords
Ribbons and wrappings
From Cornell University, The Cornell Science News reports these specific hazards:
DECORATIONS
Tinsel. “Tinsel has no direct toxic effects,” says a Cornell veterinarian. “But it can cause gastrointestinal blockage that can be life-threatening. Cats seem to love tinsel.”
Styrofoam in ornaments or packaging presents the same threat of gastrointestinal blockage.
Keep pets away from hazardous glass or plastic in tree lights and decorations.
HOLIDAY PLANTS
Mistletoe, especially the berries, can be very toxic to cats and dogs.
Holly leaves and berries can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhea.
Balsam and pine can also cause minor irritations.
Poinsettias sold at holiday time have become less toxic, but still can cause vomiting.
Potted bulbs in the lily family are especially toxic to cats.
AROUND THE HOUSE
Chocolate. It’s been found that baker’s chocolate is especially bad for dogs. Too much milk chocolate can lead to pancreatitis in pets.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications. CNN Living reports that ingestion of just one Tylenol tablet can result in anemia and potential liver damage for cats. One ibuprofen swallowed by a dog can cause gastrointestinal damage and kidney dysfunction.
Batteries. Dogs that chew on batteries risk acid burns in the mouth and physical damage from shards of metal. The smaller “button” batteries, although they are unlikely to be punctured, can lodge in a pet’s esophagus.
Alcohol. While small amounts of alcohol in drinks won’t cause a problem for pets, the depressant will. Three ounces of liquor in a 10-15 pound animal can depress its nervous system and stop its breathing. “We recommend that people don’t change a pet’s diet at holiday time,” a Cornell vet said, “and that includes alcohol.”
Automotive antifreeze. As little as a tablespoon of ethylene glycol antifreeze drained from a vehicle can kill a cat, and a couple of ounces can kill a dog. The sugar-sweet taste of ethylene glycol is particularly tempting to dogs.
Rock salt. It can cause irritation of animals’ paws…if they eat the salt, in their mouths and stomachs. Pet first aid for rock salt ingestion: “Give them a small meal, and some water or milk, and everything should be fine,” says the vet.
Just a little care and your pet will be a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Happy holidays from As You Wish Pet Sitters!
2008 Highlands Ranch Small Business of the Year
www.AsYouWishPetSitters.com
AsYouWishPetSitters@yahoo.com
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