How to ensure you furry friends have an enjoyable holiday
season
The holidays can be a time of change for people and their pets.
It can be confusing or even deadly for our furry friends; however,
with attention to detail and preparation, it can be a safe season
for all.
How to ensure you furry friends have an enjoyable holiday season
The holidays can be a time of change for people and their pets. It can be confusing or even deadly for our furry friends; however, with attention to detail and preparation, it can be a safe season for all.
As the rainy season hits, many people react by surrendering pets, especially dogs, said Hollister Animal Control Supervisor Julie Carriero.
In addition to being decorative, sweaters and shirts may give extra warmth and protection to short haired dogs including terriers and Chihuahuas, which tend to get cold in the winter, Carriero said.
As important as protecting a dog’s outsides is caring properly for his stomach and other internal organs.
Pets, especially dogs, are often given food from the table, however they should not be given turkey or chicken containing bones, whether it is raw or cooked.
All bones have potential to splinter, so they should be avoided, said Hollister Veterinarian Jerry Leroux. Dogs should be given bones made of rawhide only, he said.
Additionally, watch out for over seasoned foods – salt, pepper and many spices will give them upset stomachs, Carriero said.
Leroux also cautions against giving trimmings and fat to your dogs. “Instead of giving the scraps to them, which are bad for their diet, give them some of the good stuff in moderation,” he said. Many dogs also enjoy vegetables, Leroux said.
Although chocolate consumption increases during the holidays it can cause toxicity in dogs, leading to kidney failure and possibly death, Leroux said.
It’s not only food that can hurt pets, but things dogs and cats may perceive as tasty treats.
Plants that can be harmful to both dogs and cats include poinsettias, mistletoe, rhododendron and oleander, the latter of which is extremely toxic, Leroux said.
As the weather chills people are likely to add antifreeze to their cars’ radiators. The fluid tastes sweet to animals but even a small amount can kill dogs or cats, Leroux said.
Animals showing signs of seizures or a high fever, particularly if accompanied by vomiting, may be experiencing toxicity and should be taken immediately to a veterinarian, Leroux said.
Christmas decorations can also prove harmful or deadly to pets. “People need to watch out for the tinsel on the trees. Pets may try to eat it but it’s not digestible,” Carriero said. ”
Also watch out for electric lights, as both cats and dogs may bite through the wires or glass bulbs, which can cut their mouths and cause burns,” she said.
Curious cats like the play with ornaments and may knock the whole tree down on top of them, Carriero said. Anticipating your cat’s playfulness by reinforcing the tree will help to avoid injury to a pet.
“Be aware of dangers and think about your pets first before decorating,” said Leroux. All kinds of decorations have potential problems for pets and be being careful you can avoid getting the animals into harmful situations, he said
Or people.
Increased holiday visitors, including people who are strangers to your pets, can affect them badly. Nervous pets, which are often older, may not do well with strangers and should have limited exposure to them, such as by being placed in a separate area of the house.
Dogs should be introduced gently to strangers. Take it slow and easy and try to avoid being overly loud, Leroux said. While puppies often enjoy new people, it’s important to be careful this time of year as infectious diseases can be transported on shoes. A puppy’s immune system is still developing, and if they have not had all their shots, they are especially vulnerable.
A dog or cat does not make a good holiday present. Everyone has different tastes in animals, and pet ownership is a lifetime commitment that could last 20 years, Carriero said.
“We don’t adopt animals out for gifts. We tell people to give gift certificates for them,” she said. The Animal Shelter sells several such certificates each year, Carriero said.
