Christmas Time and Your Pet
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The holidays are a time of great fun and excitement for everyone. With a little planning and by following these precautions it can be a safe and fun time for your pet as well.
The bright colors and intoxicating scents of the holiday season are enough to transform any moping mutt or cranky cat from melancholy to downright jolly. Unfortunately, many of the delights and decorations of the holidays pose significant risks to cats and dogs.
We all love our dogs, after all, they are man's best friend. We love to take care of our dogs, pamper them, and even spoil them. For some of us, they're our children. For others, we like them better than our actual children. But when has pampering and spoiling your dog gone too far, they can become ill.
The holidays can be a busy, chaotic time; but also a very special time when we give gifts to the special ones in our lives and receive gifts as well. Our pets deserve special treatment too.
As a pet owner it can be a pretty scary time, with all the forbidden chocolate candies laying around, or the small toys received in a child's stocking that an be chewed on and possibly chocked on. And then there's the lights that flash and blink so beautifully.
A new sweater or doggy coat will be great for them as they don their new collar and leash and quietly wait for their special walk with you. How about a new scratching post or play toy for kitty as well as a bright new collar for when they're out and about.
Maybe you have to be more on the practical side and look into training aids, whether it is to help with housebreaking or some behavior training aids.
There are some Christmas traditions that can be hazardous for your pet.
Place your Christmas tree in a stable stand, and attach it securely to a window or wall.
Tinsel's shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. This year, think about leaving it off the tree altogether.
Fasten all your tree decorations securely, with the more fragile ones at the top. Dogs who chew these can suffer cuts in their mouth from broken ornaments.
We have all heard Christmas horror stories of a Christmas tree being knocked over by a rambunctious dog running through the room or playing tug of woof with a string of lights
Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.
Make sure your pet AVOIDs the following holiday food items:
Alcoholic beverages Chocolate (baker's (dark), semi-sweet, milk chocolate) Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans) Moldy or spoiled foods Onions, onion powder Fatty foods Salt Yeast dough
Ingestion of any food that your pet is not used to can cause intestinal inflammation (vomiting and diarrhea), but those mentioned above are specific toxins that may cause more life threatening conditions in your pet.
Never let your pet chew or eat any of these holiday plants:
• Holly • Mistletoe • Poinsettias • Hibiscus
When choosing a holiday gift for your special friend, be sure it's safe - no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy holiday treats for your pet and give them in moderation.
Just take that extra bit of care to make sure their pet health isn't compromised by someone in the family feeding them human chocolate.
Tell guests not to share indulgences with your pet. Poultry skin, fat trimmings, rich gravies, and buttery sauces can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, or even worse, a life threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Also, remember that an ounce of alcohol can knock out a small dog
Buy only decorating products that are labeled non-toxic
Supervise your pet when playing with a new toy.
Remember that stomach problems can be caused by popcorn and gumdrops. Avoid using these strings of edible decorations
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Anticipate your guest's arrivals and confine your dog to prevent it from escaping or worse yet "soiling" your guest's clothes with an unwanted jump.
It is also important to check your pet for any bad health. Fleas, ticks or ear problems are common and they are harder to get sorted at Christmas time, as veterinary opening hours are limited
Reduce your dog's stress by maintaining its regular feeding and exercise routine. Develop a routine for your dog during holiday parties. A special treat in a special room of your house works well.
Some pets love visitors and behave very well. Others may be fearful or aggressive. If your pet tends to be fearful around strangers or in crowds, make sure she has a quiet room to sneak away to that has water, food, a place to rest, and if you have a cat, a litter box.
With stockings of their own, pets won't feel left out of the family fun. Plus, some tasty snacks and fun toys will help take their minds off of the holiday buffet.
Pick up some extra toys and treats and take them to our less fortunate pets at the shelter. They (and you) will be glad you did!
Ok you've got your list made out and are ready to begin the shopping adventure.
Be sure to buy only the treats that will make this the best and healthiest Christmas for you and your pet.
Have a safe and merry Christmas!!
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Author Resource:-
Get the best gifts, tips and training advice -http://dog.angiesuccess.com
Your cat loves christmas too- for tips, gifts, etc -http://cat.angiesuccess.com
For all your shopping needs for your 2 and 4 legged friends - visit my megamall
!!http://angelasmegacenter.biz/
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By :
Jessie Stone
Submitted
2010-12-12 19:15:09 |
Article From Article Mayhem
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