Pet Holiday Safety reminders
HOLIDAY HEALTH TIPS TO HELP MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT FOR PETS L.A. Animal Services reminds pet owners that although Thanksgiving is a time for sharing, it is unhealthy to share holiday meal leftovers with companion animals. "Veterinarians experience an increased number of office calls due to digestive problems after the holidays because humans invite their animals to celebrate with high fat meals (ham, gravy, turkey skin), chocolates, bones, etc.," warned Casandria Smith, L.A. Animal Services Chief Veterinarian. "Turkey bones are hollow and can easily break and splinter into sharp pieces, causing blockage and perforation of the intestinal tract. A pet who has a turkey bone lodged in the digestive system may not exhibit any symptoms for one or two days. However, when they do occur, symptoms include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting or diarrhea," Dr. Smith added. Dr. Lila Miller, of the ASPCA, adds: "Know your pet's temperament. If lots of people are coming over and your pet is not used to parties and lots of noise or is food aggressive, consider placing, them in a quiet part of the house until the guests leave. Conversely, if your pet is a party animal and loves to mix and mingle, be sure to ask your guests not to slip them table scraps or treats without permission." Companion animals who are given leftover turkey to eat can also suffer from salmonella food poisoning. Salmonella is an organism that lives in the turkey's intestinal tract. Meat that sits out at room temperature for too long can cause salmonella organisms to multiply and cause contamination. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, a high temperature, loss of appetite and listlessness. Consult a veterinarian immediately should a companion animal exhibit any symptoms for salmonella poisoning or turkey bone ingestion. It is also important for animal caregivers who will be out of town for the holidays to make arrangements for the care of their companion animals by providing food, water, appropriate care and a secure environment. "In providing for our companion animals, it is equally important to make sure they wear proper identification. Licensing our dogs, for example, greatly increases the chances of reuniting a lost pet with its owner," reminds L.A. Animal Services General Manager Dan Knapp. Make sure all caregivers of pets are also provided a clear updated photo of your pet in case your pet gets lost and the photo is needed to produce fliers ASAP. "We see an increased number of calls related to pet poisoning during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's," says Dr. Steven Hansen, director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Here's one holiday list you can use to keep the furry members of your family happy and healthy this season. Season's eatings shouldn't include holiday greenery such as holly, mistletoe, lilies and amaryllis. While commonly used to deck the halls, they can make your pet sick if ingested. Look before you light. Lit candles produce fumes that can be harmful to birds if inhaled. And don't forget, your pet's wagging tail can easily knock over a burning candle. Liquid potpourri is also dangerous to pets, who could ingest it from decorative bowls and simmering pots. Oh, Christmas tree! Their branches definitely delight pets, who've been known to chew on them--and whatever decorations may be hanging from them. Place small, breakable ornaments high up, and keep tinsel and garland out of your pet's reach, as these can get caught in his throat. And make sure that pine needles, which can be toxic, don't get eaten. Keep batteries--loose and in packages--away from pets. They contain corrosives that can cause ulceration in your animal companion's mouth, tongue and gastrointestinal tract if bitten or swallowed. Shy animals can get stressed with the hustle and bustle of holiday guests, so make sure there's a quiet room to which your pets can retreat. Best to keep pets in another room with door shut- no chance of your indoor only cat escaping in panic over the strangers coming into the home. Don't allow your pet access to holiday spreads, especially if you've got a chow hound. Alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast dough and macadamia nuts and raisins can all cause serious and even fatal problems." |
|
|
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|