During this busy time of year, I wanted to give you some ideas on how to keep your pet healthy and enjoy the holiday/winter season.
Antifreeze and de-icers are a major problem for pets and children. Products containing ethylene glycol are very toxic and cause kidney failure and death, with a very limited time to treat after ingestion. The best option is to use child/pet-safe products. Unfortunately, antifreeze tastes good, and animals like to drink it. If you see your pet drinking anything that might be antifreeze, take it immediately to your veterinarian.
Salt is another product that can cause problems. If you use salt to melt ice on walkways, make sure your pet isn’t eating the salt. It is also a good idea to wipe your pet off when they come inside, paying special attention to the feet and the stomach.
Holiday decorations can pose problems. Tinsel is an enticing toy for a cat but also can be life-threatening. Tinsel will cause major problems in a cat’s intestinal tract, requiring surgery and possibly causing death. Snow globes and artificial snow contains chemicals that can be harmful when ingested or inhaled. If you decorate your tree, keep it pet-friendly and avoid additives in the water.
If you decorate your house with plants, use care in where you place them. Ivy, holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies and Christmas greens can all be toxic. Keep these plants out of your pet’s reach, or consider other decorations if you have an especially curious pet.
Table scraps from holiday parties and meals can cause problems with your pet’s digestive tract. Holiday meals tend to be high in fat, and bones can cause obstruction. Chocolate is another no-no for pets. Remember: Darker the chocolate, the higher risk of toxicity. If your dog eats any chocolate, call your veterinarian to see if treatment is required.
Holiday parties can be a lot of fun for us, but remember the noise and crowds can make some pets anxious and nervous. If your pet isn’t used to crowds, find a quiet place in the house to confine your pet during the festivities. New Year’s Eve is fireworks time, which can cause many pets to be frightened. If your pet is prone to fear from fireworks, plan ahead. Make sure it is in a safe and secure area, contact your veterinarian for sedation options if necessary, and most importantly, make sure your pet is adequately identified with a tag on its collar and microchip, in case it becomes frightened and runs away.
During the colder, rainy time of year, remember your pets still need exercise. Take your dog for a walk. It will be good for both of you. A nice walk is a great way to burn off some of the calories from holiday festivities.
If you keep your pets outdoors, make sure they have access to water that won’t freeze and a warm, dry area to get out of the weather. Be careful leaving food outdoors. Wildlife is looking for food this time of year, and small mammals can be very aggressive over food. Nothing is worse than a cat that has been attacked by a raccoon.
I hope everyone has a great winter season. As always, feel free to e-mail me with any questions or ideas for articles.
Melanie Caviness is a veterinarian and owner of Wilderness Veterinary Clinic in Maple Valley. She can be reached at wildernessvet1@qwest.net
