THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities.
As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to
their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic
plants and dangerous decorations.
Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations
- Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't
tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the
tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset-from spilling.
Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with
nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Ingested needles can also cause illness in pets.
Flocking on trees is toxic to cats if ingested and can cause serious illness, even death in some cats.
Keep them away from the tree and immediately remove the box the tree comes in. Can also cause
gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
- Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney
failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
- Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in
their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting,
dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
- That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they
knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
- Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a
potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards
of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers
- Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know
the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the
table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
- Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends.
Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
- Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended
alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
- Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible,
Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy
things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck
in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip
toy or the interactive cat dancer.
Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering
- House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention
and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
- Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure
to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
- A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water
and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their
carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
- New Year's Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown
confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers
can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared
of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS AND COMMUNITY CATS
Exposure to winter's dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped
paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren't the only discomforts pets can suffer.
Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents
are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting
your pet's health, please heed the following advice from the experts at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips
Although we rarely have freezing weather or snow in and around Phoenix, other parts
of Arizona do. In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness.
Regardless, make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm by following
these simple guidelines.
Keep pets sheltered
Keep your pets inside with you and your family. Under no circumstances should pet
cats be left outdoors, even if they roam outside during other seasons. Dogs
are happiest when taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the
rest of the time. Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops.
If your dog is outdoors much of the day for any reason, they must be protected by
a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably,
but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches from
the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered
with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping
warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the
water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature
is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
Remove common poisons
Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals
and children. Wipe up any antifreeze spills immediately and keep it, like all household
chemicals, out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are
less toxic to pets, wildlife and family.
Dogs are at particular risk of salt poisoning in winter due to the rock salt used
in many areas—often when licking it from their paws after a walk. Store de-icing
salt in a safe place and wipe your dog's paws, even after short walks. If your dog
ingests rock salt, call a veterinarian immediately.
Protect outdoor animals
If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats in your area, remember
that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It's easy
to give them a hand.
You can make your own cat shelter quickly and easily with a plastic tub. Heated
animal shelters can be purchased from places like Amazon and more.
Cars are one of many hazards to small animals-warm engines in parked cars attract
cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any
hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away and honk the horn before
starting your engine (but look for oncoming traffic first).
ALLEY CAT ALLIES ON PROTECTING FERALS/COMMUNITY CATS IN THE WINTER:
See detailed tips on feeding, making shelters and more by clicking on this link:
Alley Cat Link
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