contributed by April Peiffer
Holidays are a time for cheerful gatherings of families, and of course, that includes the furry ones too! To help ensure those furry friends stay safe and healthy in the midst of all the feasts and celebrations, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Food
Chocolate and food with xylitol can be lethal, even in small amounts, so keep human food out of reach. You shouldn’t feed fatty or spicy foods or bones to your pet. Bones can become lodged in the esophagus or lacerate the intestines. Alcohol can also cause your pet to become very ill, from gastrointestinal upset to coma and respiratory failure.
Plants
Holly and mistletoe can cause vomiting and diarrhea; mistletoe can also cause cardiovascular issues in an animal. Poinsettias are toxic to cats.
Decorations
Small decorations and tinsel can be swallowed, as they are hard to resist to playful dogs and cats. This could lead to an obstruction and, if not caught in time, could result in an expensive surgery and even death. Glass ornaments can break and cut your pet’s mouth or esophagus. Like any time of the year, keep electrical cords and batteries out of reach, as they can cause electrical shock or burns to the mouth and can be harmful if ingested.
Christmas tree
Anchor your Christmas tree properly so it doesn’t fall over onto your pet or while your pet is in the tree. If you will be choosing a live tree, be sure to change the water in the base frequently to keep the bacteria that breeds in stagnant water from growing. This bacteria can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Also be careful about using fertilizers or additives in the water that may be toxic to your pet.
Visitors
If your pet is on the shy or fearful side, be cautious when introducing them to new people. They may become overwhelmed. You can give them a room of their own or have them in their crate. Make sure overnight guests do not have medicine within reach of your pet. If you have visitors in and out of your house, make sure your pets do not have access to the frequently used door. Try to keep your pet’s routine as close to normal as possible to reduce anxiety.
Gift of Family
All this being said, the holidays are a wonderful time to bring home a new adopted dog or cat. What greater present for a shelter animal than a family? Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is here to help make that happen. Go to wilcopets.org to see all of our adoptable dogs and cats!