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Pet Health Tips |
| Holiday Pet Tips |
| Holidays are times for candy and treats, decorations, and family gatherings. They can also be a time for unexpected trips to the veterinarian. Here are a few tips that will help prevent some of these seasonal pet emergencies.. |
| Wonderful treats are prevalent this time of year, and you may be tempted to share some of them with your pet. Please remember that pets are sensitive to sudden changes in their diets, which could cause upset stomachs and pancreatitis. Some treats that are safe for people can be deadly if given to pets. Chocolate tastes great, but it contains a chemical similar to caffeine (theobromine) that is toxic to dogs and cats, causing diarrhea, seizures and/or irregular heartbeats. Holiday treats should be kept out of the reach of inquisitive noses. |
| Cats love to play with anything that resembles string. This includes loose ribbon from presents, tinsel and strung popcorn used for decorations. When cats ingest them, these objects can get lodged in the stomach and intestinal tract and can cause blockage. Signs of trouble include loss of appetite, vomiting and/or lethargy. Treatment most often involves surgery to remove the foreign material. To avoid this life-threatening emergency, limit your catŐs access to string, ribbon and tinsel. A safer toy that cats can bat around can be made from balled up pieces of colorful wrapping paper. Some will even fetch it for you. |
| To pets, a Christmas tree can appear to be a giant toy rack. Cats are notorious for trying to play with the ornaments and may even try to climb up the tree! Make certain that your tree is firmly planted in a wide-based, heavy stand to prevent it from falling. Fragile ornaments should be kept high up.
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| Are you planning to put a puppy, kitten, reptile or bird under your Christmas tree as a present for family or friends? Pets bring many years of joy to the entire family, but please remember that they are a big responsibility and involve a long-term commitment. Discuss getting a pet with your family or the intended recipient before actually buying or adopting one. |
| It is also important to pick the right type of pet. Dogs are filled with unconditional love and make fantastic companions but require a lot of attention. Birds are beautiful animals and can often sing or talk for you but sometimes squawk loudly and are very messy. Reptiles are typically inexpensive, but proper cage setups can cost a couple hundred dollars. There are many other types of pets you may consider. Feel free to call us with questions on choosing the best pet for you. |
| Humane societies and shelters have all of the above pets and more. They usually won't adopt animals out the week before the holidays to make sure pets are placed only into homes that have considered all of the long-term responsibilities. If surprise is your goal, try wrapping a small stuffed animal. Then choose and adopt an appropriate pet once the holidays are over. |
| Once you have acquired your new family member, be sure to make an appointment as soon as possible. A physical exam will ensure that the pet you picked is healthy, and proper vaccinations can easily prevent many serious illnesses.
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| During this time of giving, don't forget the pets you own. Pet stores are filled with wonderful new toys. Be sure toys are the appropriate size for your pets and cannot be chewed into pieces small enough to swallow. A rubber "Kong" toy which can be filled with peanut butter or treats is a real favorite for dogs. All of us here at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital hope that these tips help you, your family, and your pets to have a wonderful holiday season.
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