We all love the holidays, and of course, we want to share this festive time with our pets. Snow, decorations, food and celebration are what the holiday season is all about. But, the things that make this time so special, can actually be hazardous to your pets health. Follow these safety tips and make it a wonderful, festive and safe season for all.
The number one reason for emergency pet visits this time of year is gastrointestinal distress. We eat and drink so many delicious things, but many of them can be dangerous, even deadly, if your pet ingests them. Grapes and raisins, even in small amounts, can damage the kidneys and even prove deadly to pets.
Artificial sweeteners found in sugarless candy and gum called xylitol is extremely toxic to your animals. This can cause vomiting, weakness, severe drops in blood sugar, loss of muscle control, seizures and even liver damage. So keep your gum and candy out of reach of your pets.
Something you probably did not know is that uncooked yeast dough can expand in your dog's stomach or intestines and release gasses. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea or bloat, which is life threatening. Believe it or not, unbaked yeast can also lead to alcohol toxicity.
Be sure not to let your dog get near the table scraps! Those turkey bones can cause bowel obstructions or choking!
Cocoa and chocolate are probably the most well known of all the holiday dangers. They contain Theobromine which can affect heart rhythm and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Instead, find dog friendly treats for your four-legged friends
That peppermint latte may be a great holiday treat for you, but for a dog, the caffeine in it can affect the heart, stomach, intestines and the nervous system.
Your turkey stuffing is full of delicious onions and garlic and essential to your holiday feast, but those herbs in large amounts, even in powdered form, can endanger your dog's health. Severe anemia or gastrointestinal distress may result.
All of those beautiful Christmas greens and plants make the house festive, however, if ingested, they can be severely toxic to your animals. And keep your dogs and cats away from the Christmas tree water!
De-icing products like anti-freeze and rock salt can cause skin irritation or more serious conditions if it gets into your pet's fur and paw pads. Make sure to wipe his paws and belly when you come in from the cold. You can also use dog boots, eco-friendly salt or a paw protector salve. Dogs and cats are also attracted to the sweet taste of anti-freeze so make sure to keep them away.
So, enjoy the wonderful holiday season, and make it a safe one for the entire family!
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