Season’s greetings! The holiday season is in full flow, but its end is in sight. This is an incredibly unusual time of year. It is vital that we slow down and reconnect with those we love. That includes our pet! With New Year’s Eve approaching, you’ll want to take certain precautions to keep your pet safe. This article features a local Grange hill east, ON veterinarian talking about pet safety.
Be Aware Of Seasonal Toxins
Regardless of the season, many household items are dangerous to pets. That list includes household cleaners, vehicle products, insecticides, lawn and garden supplies, and prescriptions. Antifreeze is another significant issue. It is extremely harmful to pets. Unfortunately, a lot of animals love the flavor. Choose a pet-friendly brand. It’s also a good idea to play it safe and mop up any spills right away. Put litter down in damp areas to be sure.
Don’t Give Pets Unsafe Foods
Food is another source of worry. We all love the great Christmas feasts, and they aren’t over yet! Fido and Fluffy are also good at convincing us to share information with them. While some items are safe, some can make your pet very ill, and others are even lethal.
The following are some of the harmful foods:
- Sweets
- Chocolate/Caffeine
- Grapes, Currants And Raisins
- Meat On The Bone
- Garlic, Onion, And Chives
- Avocado
- Uncooked Dough
- Xylitol (Birch Sugar)
- Macadamia Nuts
- Anything Heavy In Salt, Sugar, Or Fat
- Alcohol
Consult your veterinarian about what meals are safe and which are dangerous.
Be Careful With Plant Placements
Did you get plants this year? Many of these seasonal favorites are quite toxic to our furry friends!
Holly contains cyanogens, saponins, and methylxanthines. If consumed, these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. Poinsettias can induce digestive issues. In fact, eating too many leaves can be fatal. Lilies are among the most toxic plants for cats. In fact, merely nibbling a few leaves or drinking a little water can result in fatal organ damage in cats. Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins, which are toxic to pets. Ingestion symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Mistletoe contains the cytotoxin viscumin, which is toxic to dogs. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, and heart difficulties.
That pretty tree can also pose a risk. The needles can cause blockages, choking, or obstructions if swallowed, and can cause internal injuries. Plus, if you have a real tree, the water may contain traces of chemicals.
Stick to plants that you are confident are safe for pets. Keep in mind that even healthy plants might become deadly if they are covered with glitter or decorated with little things, such as tiny reindeer. Contact your veterinarian for further information about safe and harmful plants.
Keep Pets Away From Flames
Chestnuts roasting over an open fire may be an iconic image, but take care to keep any fire or flames under control. If your fireplace uses wood, set a grate in front of it. This is simply a standard safety measure. Candles should also be placed at high locations. Also, be careful with potpourri burners!
Be Aware of Stress
Holiday stress is a genuine issue for both people and animals! Pets are creatures of habit. Schedule changes, visits, travel, and even environmental changes can be stressful for them. This will be especially useful on New Year’s Eve, when the noise of partygoers and fireworks can be scary and disruptive to our four-legged friends.
Attempt to maintain a normal schedule for your pet, at least as much as possible. Also, please pay special attention to Fluffy and Fido. If you intend to entertain guests, make sure your pets have a secure, quiet place to relax away from the noise. You can put them in a quiet back room with bedding, toys, and treats, and turn a radio on to mask the noise.
If your pet is easily afraid, consult your veterinarian about pet-calming medications. There are other choices, including treats, sprays, and collars. Simply follow the packaging recommendations exactly.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Grange Hill East, ON Pet Hospital
We all wish you all a happy New Year. Please contact us for any and all of your pet’s veterinary requirements. We are your Grange Hill East, ON pet hospital and are here to help!
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