Tips For Your Pets During The Holidays
Christmas is a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate. These celebrations undoutedly involve lots of delicious food. With pets becomming more important in our lives, the temptation is to include the furry family members at the dinner tabel. Unfortunately, the holiday foods that we love can wreak havoc on our pets' digestive systems.
Between Thanksgiving and New Years our practice typically sees a 50% increse in pancreatitis, vomitting, diarrhea and other severe digestive disorders. Many times the pet can be treated on an out-patient basis, but some require extensive hospitalization and iv fluids. The ham bone that you lovingly give your dog or cat can often result in serious illness. The safest and healthies thing for your pet is to completely avoid table food. It is important that everyone be aware of the potential dangers of table scraps, so that our pets will have a happy holidays as well.
Decorations Can Be Hazardous For Your Pets
A Christmas tree is a favorite hiding place for many cats, but there are many dangers associated with Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. Responsable pet owners should take steps to protect their dogs and cats from these often overlooked dangers.
- Strings, ribbons, and tinsel are especially problematic to cats. Many cats love to play with and even eat string. When string, ribbon, or tinsel is ingested, the cat's digestive tract does not always simply move it through in a ball. The string can often span the length of the entire digestive tract. The intestines contract around the string, but are unable to effectively move it. In severe cases, the string or ribbon can "saw" through the small intestine resulting in peritonitis and even death. Symptoms of this condition include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and abdominal pain. The treatment involves surgical removal of the string and supportive care. Keeping strings, ribbons, and tinsel away from your cat is by far the best solution.
- Ornaments and hooks are often chewed and or swallowed causing injury to the mouth and digestive tract.
- Poinsettias, holly, and other decorative plants can cause serious stomach upset and are best kept out of reach of dogs and cats.
- Exposed electrical cords are in abundance this time of year. Younger dogs are notorious for chewing on these cords. While some pups may escape with only a few burns on the tongue and mouth, some are not so lucky and suffer serious injury.
Pet-proofing your holiday decorations can go a long way in ensuring a Merry Christmas for you and your pets. If you have any questions about any of these holiday dangers, please contact us.