The simplest of every day activities often present
ongoing challenges to keeping pets healthy.
To ensure your pet's well-being, here are
a few helpful suggestions.
everyday Hazards
-
Foods & Beverages Food
and drink that is standard fare for people is rife with
danger for pets: meats,
poultry, gravy, skin, bones, alcohol, chocolate and other
sweet treats are potentially toxic to animals, putting
them at risk for all kinds of gastric distress, including:
enteritis, colitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction & puncture,
anaphylaxis, and just plain poisoning. Secure garbage (inside
and out) and limit holiday treats to those specifically made
for animals.
If your pet does eat or drink something it shouldn't, DO
NOT INDUCE VOMITING, as it can make things worse.
Keep your pet comfortable and contact a veterinarian immediately.
If it's after hours, SRVH's outgoing message gives contact
information for local emergency centers, as well as Dr.
Weber's number.
If you believe your pet has consumed something poisonous, keep this
information by your phone:
- Plastic, Wrapping & String Small
plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking
and intestinal blockage and must often be removed surgically.
Rubber bands, ribbon, plastic packaging, bows, foil paper,
string, fabric, and styrofoam are just as dangerous for the
same reasons.
-
Things That Look and Smell Pretty Besides
the obvious risks, like candles, glass ornaments,
and electric cords,
there are other hazards you may not even know about.
Did
you know that snow globes often contain antifreeze? Less
than a teaspoon can prove fatal.
Scented
oils and pot pourri can also be toxic to cats, resulting
in chemical burns, difficulty breathing, and tremors if ingested.
Artificial or spray-on
snow can also cause problems if inhaled or ingested.
- Plants & Flowers Lots
of beautiful holiday plants and arrangements have ugly consequences
if chewed or ingested by pets. Lilies, philodendron, Christmas
rose, holly, mistletoe, and
dieffenbachia are just a few of the usual suspects. For a
complete list, see the ASPCA
list of toxic and non-toxic plants: ASPCA.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/
- Parties When
family and guests are coming and going, the risk
of losing your pet through an open door sky-rockets. Make
sure your pet has current tags or, better still, a microchip
(see SRVH's special offer in the sidebar).
The upset in their routine can also agitate them, leaving
them more likely to bark or bite, and more vulnerable to
stress-induced illnesses. Make
sure that their vaccinations are up-to-date and reduce their
stress with regular exercise. Make sure they have a safe,
quiet room with plenty of water during
get-togethers. If your pets are allowed to mingle with guests,
make sure everyone knows not to slip them a little something
from their plate.
- Extreme Cold Even
pets need protection from the the heat and the cold, especially
those bred for specific climates. In the winter, pets
should always have a warm, dry place to escape the elements,
preferably indoors or in a heated place in the garage. Dogs'
feet are very sensitive to hot and cold surfaces and should
not be kept on paved surfaces. Cats who spend time outdoors
might be drawn to the warmth of an engine, so make sure to
tap on your car's hood before starting it up.
- Extreme Heat In
the summer, keep your pets indoors as
much as possible. Outside, make sure they plenty of shade
and access to lots of cool water. Exercise
pets early or late in the day, well away from the heat's
peak. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a short
amount of time. Temperatures sore quickly inside a vehicle,
endangering your pet's well-being. It is also against the
law.
- Double Check Smoke Detectors & Batteries It will keep everyone
safer.
Questions or concerns? Please give us a call at
(925) 837-0526.
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