Winter is here! Raincoats and umbrellas are out, and skiers are itching to get out on the slopes. And the holiday season is here and all that it involves. It’s time for my annual guidelines to help keep your pets healthy and happy throughout the winter months.

One of the most typical calls we get around any holiday is the chocolate phone call. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (APSCA) Pet Poison Control Center reported 15,000 cases of chocolate intoxication in 2008. Everyone seems to know that chocolate isn’t good for dogs, but not everyone knows that different types of chocolate are worse than others. Symptoms from eating chocolate can range from tummy upset to actual heart problems. It is always appropriate to call your veterinarian whenever your dog eats chocolate, so you know what level of care your dog might need. And it is always best to avoid temptation and keep the chocolate hidden away from your pets. I have some patients that are addicted and will find chocolate in the best hiding places.

Antifreeze is another problem. If you do your own auto care at home, make sure you don’t leave any of the liquid where your pets are able to drink any of it. Antifreeze is highly toxic, and causes kidney failure and a very small amount can be fatal. Unless treated immediately after drinking it, the chances of curing it are very small.

Holiday decorations can cause problems. Tinsel and ribbon are very tempting for a cat, and if eaten can cause serious intestinal problems. Poinsettias can cause stomach upset and irritation of the mouth if eaten. Christmas tree water can be a problem because bacteria can grow in it and the fertilizer in the water can be irritating. Glass ornaments can break and cause injury to the skin or intestines if eaten. Electrical cords can also be a hazard. Pet proofing your house is similar to baby proofing your house around the holidays.

Holiday meals not only pose a problem to our waistline, but can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system. Fatty or rich food can cause serious digestive upset, some cases can become severe enough to require hospitalization. Bones can become lodged in the intestinal tract or splinter and cause irritation. The string you use to tie up meat while cooking and anything else associated with the cooking process will be tempting for your pet, make sure you dispose of everything in a secure garbage container.

The cold weather also requires consideration for your pets. Outdoor cats will look for warm areas and car engine and clothes dryer injuries are not uncommon. Before I start my car on a cold morning, I bang on the hood of my car to scare off any kitties that might be warming up in the engine space. Keep your dryer closed between uses, and if you leave the door open, make sure you check that your cat hasn’t sneaked into the dryer before you start it up.

Overall, the theme of this article is avoiding exposure to keep your pets safe. Planning ahead, being careful and taking the time to “pet proof” your house can pay off in spades. My mother always told me an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it certainly is true when it comes to keeping your pet safe during the winter months.

As usual, you can contact me with any pet questions at wildernessvet1@qwestoffice.net. You can also visit our Web site, www. wildernessvet.com and we have also have facebook page, look for Wilderness Animal Hospital.