This time of the year can be the most magical for us, but it can also be one of the most hazardous for our pets!
The Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays
With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas back-to-back-to-back it is very easy to get busy and caught up in it all. That is why it is important to prepare before it even begins. If you are planning on traveling (with or without your pet) your dog and/or cat needs to be up to date on vaccines, and have adequate food and medications.
Often this is forgotten till the last minute so you and many others are scrambling to get pets into the vet. Be proactive and get them in sooner rather than later.
Keep the Feast For Yourself
Those puppy eyes and soft purrs may be extremely tempting but keeping the food on the dinner table is very important. Desserts
like candy and treats are found to contain xylitol which can be a silent killer. Meat with bones often split when chewed on which can
get stuck in the digestive tract. As well as certain spices, vegetables, and fatty foods can cause painful pancreatitis.
Celebrations and get-togethers can be safe and fun for all. Keep those delicious “dangers” on your dinner plate.
Higher the Better
For lots of pets, many new things in the house can look like toys. Whether it is wires, decorations, costumes, or more it may entice your dog or cat to want to play with it. This can lead them to hurt themselves or ingest foreign materials.
That is why it is important to keep chemicals and decorations out of reach for your animal. In the end, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Let’s Keep it Chill
The holiday season does not need to be a stressful one. Keep your pets safe by remembering that they are part of the family but have their own needs too.
If there ever comes a time when your pet requires help, get them to your local veterinarian at the earliest convenience.
Written By: Brelyn, RVT
