1) Many of our favorite holiday foods are not good for our pets and can cause severe digestive upset. In particular, high fat foods, like turkey skin, can cause a painful inflammation of your pet’s pancreas.
2) Other foods to avoid include any excessively salty food, poultry bones, onions or onion powder, grapes, raisins, chocolates, artificially sweetened foods, and, of course, alcohol.
3) Remember that all leftovers and trash should be put away securely. Foil wrapping, strings, and other trash will often retain a delicious odor, often causing pets to think that the item is food.
4) Many decorative plants can be deadly to our pets. These include natural holly and mistletoe. Poinsettias are less dangerous. Lilies can be deadly to cats and should be avoided if possible.
5) Many holiday decorations, like tinsel and ribbons, are irresistible to cats and can cause obstructions. Glass ornaments can be easily broken and all those extra extension cords can cause severe burns to inquisitive puppies.
6) Even live Christmas trees can cause problems if preservatives are used in the water. Don’t allow your pet to drink from water used for the tree.
7) Antifreeze can be deadly to your pet. Its sweet taste is appealing to many pets. Once symptoms are noticed, it is too late for an antidote and many pets die due to this toxic chemical.
8) Cold temperatures are hard on our pets too! Without proper shelter, pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia, just like we do.
9) Older pets, pets with arthritis and even puppies may be more severely affected by cold weather. Keep everybody indoors whenever possible!
10) Talk to your veterinarian and be sure to bookmark www.MyVNN.com to help keep you current on the latest in pet health information.
Sara Lash, DVM
Healthy Pets Mobile Vet
www.drsaralash.com
919-329-7387(PETS)
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