Thursday, December 6, 2012

Pet Holiday Hazards


I just want to thank everyone who helped in the Fixit Project and please go to Alli's blog to get the rest of the story (Alli's Blog).  I will be introducing some of the helpful FBOs in the future.

One thing about this time of year is that the political adds are off the air!  I don't think I could take one more "I approve this add" add.  I am also glad that its the holy time of year.  With all the festivities we have to be careful to keep our pets out of trouble.  From the Christmas tree to the Holiday Ham these things can pose a threat to our furry friends.

Christmas trees have several things that we need to be aware of.  If you have a live tree then that means watering and sometimes adding some type of chemical or preservative.  Many of these additives are toxic to our pets so take precautions by covering the base to prevent drinking. Please make sure there is free choice clean and fresh water available.  Also with trees there are ornaments.  Cats have a particular affinity for anything sparkly.  Tinsel and Garlands are very damaging to the digestive track and many times needs to be surgically removed.  Glass ornaments can fall off the tree and break creating a sharp hazard for pets and humans.  Electric lights can present a hazard to any pet chewing on them.  Rabbits are especially susceptible to cord chewing injurys.   Most of the lights are of the twinkle variety but there may be some of the older lights still out there.  These are especially dangerous as they get hot and can burn skin as well as catch the tree on fire!  Check all lights for broken bulbs or frayed wires.

Holiday foods are very tasty but usually also very high in fat and sugar.  These ingredients are hard on pets' digestive systems.  Pork is also very hard on dogs.  The old "Ham Bone" or fat trimmings can send your pet to the emergency hospital with vomiting and diarrhea as well as pancreatitis.  This can be life threatening, or at the very least cause quite the mess.  Also steak bones can get chewed up and end up in the colon where the fragments react and becomes an impaction.  These may have to be surgically removed.  Some of the sharp bones can pierce the intestines and also cause an expensive trip to the hospital for surgical repair.  Baker's Chocolate is toxic in relatively small quantities.  Milk chocolate is less toxic but can cause diarrhea and vomiting.  Raisins and Grapes are also toxic to our dogs and cats.  They can be the main ingredients in cakes and pastries.

This is a great time of year but lets keep our pets safe from some of these hidden hazards.  Back to work and a second cup of coffee... Bye for now, Robin.

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