Alcoholic beverages: Drunken dogs are very
sick dogs. An ounce of a beverage that is 20 to 40 proof can cause alcohol
poisoning or coma in a small dog, such as a Yorkshire Terrier.
Angel hair: This is made from spun glass, it can irritate the skin,
cause cuts and damage the eyes. It is eaten it can cause intestinal
blockage.
Artificial Snow, flocking: These are possibly poisonous, can cause
digestive upset or be a respiratory irritant if inhaled. Spray only the
upper corners of high windows.
Candles: Flame or dripping wax can burn dogs and cats or singe
their whiskers or hair. Also, they are a fire hazard if the pet knocks
them over.Save candles for the dining room table, and don't burn them near
an unattended pet.
Electric cable: Dogs and cats can be shocked, burned or
electrocuted by chewing on cable. It is safer to run cables through PVC
piping, cover with rugs or secure to the floor by placing behind or
beneath heavy furniture.
Decorations: Glue, rubber bands, staples, string, tacks and tape
can cause mild pain, serious complications or death if swallowed. Store
them in a secure place. Discard used items when decorations are removed.
Fire/ fireplaces, including ashes, popping wood: These can cause
bronchial irritation, burns skin irritation and digestive distress. keep a
fire screen in front of a fireplace while in use.
Food: Bones can cause choking, internal punctures, possibly death.
Chocolate can cause theobromine poisoning which is an overstimulation of
the nervous system, and may be fatal. Chocolate also causesvomiting,
diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. Fatty spice or sweet foods
lead to gastric upset, dehydration and pancreatitis. Burns and mouth or
throat ulcerations can result from hot food.Do not share your holiday
goodies with your pets. If you can resist give a healthy treat. Keep your
dog out of the dinning area and feed it its regular dinner while you eat.
Do not leave cooking food unattended or set hot dishes near edge of stove
or counter. Do not leave sweets or other snacks where your dog can reach
them.
Guests: They add to the noise, confusion and stress for your pet
who will be put out of its routine. Pets can be stepped on, or
unsupervised children can injure them. Pets can escape when visitors come
and go.Guests are more likely to feed your pets and 'just a little bite'
adds up to quite a lot of food. Always advise your guests not to feed your
pets. If your guests are uncomfortable around your dogs and cats, or if
extra activity causes your pet anxiety, board it for the holidays. Your
cat and dog should sleep in a regular spot, if it is where it will be
distressed, move the pet to a quiet place where it will be comfortable.
Decorative lights: Cats and dogs can become tangled in the strands,
leading to burns and cuts. They can creat the same hazards as electric
cables.
Costumes and dressing up: Never dress up cats and dogs they can
cause choking and strangulation.
Plants, holly, ivy, mistletoe and poinsettia: These plants range
from mildly upsetting to extremely toxic. If eaten they can cause
gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, coma,
central nervous system or cardiac problems or even death.
Gift wrapping: Ribbon, trim polystyrene foam packaging, wrapping
foil and paper are dangerous if eaten by your pet. Always wrap packages in
an area away from your pet. Collect and discard all the waste. Any
wrapping paper and supplies you are not using, put away. If you have any
gifts for your dog, use plain brown paper, wrap loosely and supervise
unwrapping.
Live trees: Place the tree in a room away from the cat or dog. To
stop the tree from falling over, place a hook in the ceiling and use some
nylon yarn. Tie the top of the tree with the nylon and then secure this to
the ceiling. By using this system the tree cannot fall over.
Routine: So often this is forgotten during the busy holidays, but
keeping to your dog walking schedule will help keep your pets world
consistent. Many of our pets will have a difficult time adjusting to the
increased activity and many will suffer stress.
Your vet: Make certain you have the full details of how to contact
your vet or the acting emergency vet during the holidays. A little
foresight might help your pet survive a holiday accident.
Article By David The Dogman http://www.thedogman.net
