Christmas Hazzards for our pets
A typical Christmas tree is bursting with dangers for your pet. Keep light strands high enough on the tree to prevent burns if they contact your pet’s skin. Dangling electrical cords can be a tempting – and dangerous-- toy. Avoid decorating with glass ornaments which can be knocked down and broken, resulting in cut feet or mouths. Never decorate with edible ornaments-- they may contain toxic paints or varnishes. Consider purchasing a portable exercise pen to enclose the tree and protect your pets from mishaps. It may not "look the best" but it could save a life.
Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and Christmas roses can all be toxic. The best advice with holiday plants is to keep them away from curious mouths. Also remember: never share chocolate or alcohol with your pets.
Turkey Bones: Never give your pet cooked bones. Cooked Turkey and Chicken bones are especially dangerous!
Holiday doggie feasts: No matter how good they have been this year, fatty foods can spell danger for your pets. Holiday binges can cause problems ranging from simple indigestion or a touch of diarrhea to potentially life- threatening pancreatitis.
Antifreeze: At Christmas and all winter long, remember antifreeze is a danger for your pet. Even in very small amounts, ethylene glycol, the most common ingredient in antifreeze, can cause crystals to form in an animal’s kidney, ultimately leading to kidney failure and death! Pets should always be kept away from driveways, garages, and any place that antifreeze may have spilled. It is also important to make sure your car isn’t leaking antifreeze. Rapid treatment is the key to successful treatment for antifreeze toxicity. If you see your pet ingesting antifreeze or think she may have, please call the clinic immediately!
Rock Salt: Ice and the rock salt used to melt it off of sidewalks can be irritating to your dog’s feet. Check their feet frequently—especially after walks. Rinse off any salt or ice and dry thoroughly. Dog boots can help protect sensitive feet
Ornaments are very shiny and often attractive to your pets. Keep your pets away from them.