YAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Yappy Holiday’s!

With the holiday season approaching and many of us having deadlines for shopping, decorating and visiting friends, please keep in mind that the Holiday’s can be stressful for our pet’s as well. New faces, guests, and pet sitters can add to that stress.

Each time a guest enters your home, pets can be exposed to a new level of stress.


Some positive, some negative. Some pets are locked away while guests are in their home while others are allowed to roam free. Doors, gates and garages are opened and closed frequently. The opportunity for escape is incredible! Winter holidays are one of the top seasons of the year that pets are lost.

Microchip your pet!

Aides in recovering lost pets all year round. It is your pet’s personal identification number. The Veterinarian implants the chip under your pet’s skin, between the shoulder blades. For more Information, please ask the Veterinarian or one of our staff.

OTHER TIPS

 Please inform your guests not to feed your pet scraps.
 Please do not allow children to harass your pet
 Please keep a routine for your pet

Never give your pet chocolate! It can be highly toxic to animals! Chocolate can cause stomach cramps, constipation and diarrhea. It is all too common to see pets with vomiting and diarrhea after a holiday. Some can become seriously ill.

Dangerous Holiday Paraphernalia:

 Plastic six pack beverage holders
 Electric cords
 Glass ornaments
 Ribbons and tinsel.
 Foil
 Rubber bands
 Pine needles. If your pet ingests a pine needle, there is a danger of internal organs being pierced by the needles

 


A view of potentially poisonous plants from Dr. Michael Knight:

v  Poinsettias:  Dr. Michael Knight, a veterinarian at the ASPCA’s National Poison Control Center in Urbania, Ill. Said: “Poinsettias have a history of being fairly toxic. More recently we’ve found that they are not what we consider life-threatening at all. Occasionally, we’ll get a call where a dog has eaten a large quantity of the poinsettia plant.

The dog will have some digestive upsets, vomiting and diarrhea—but I don’t think we’ve actually seen any deaths associated with poinsettias over the years---- and we’ve gotten hundreds of calls. In our opinion, they are not a hazard to dogs or cats. Neither are Holly Berries and Mistletoe,” says Knight, who added that the Poison control center doesn’t get many calls about pets ingesting holly berries, mainly because the leaves are thorny and spiny and don’t taste great.

v  Misteltoe:  is not considered deadly but Knight warns that the plant does contain a natural compound that can cause heart problems.


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOLIDAY TIPS FROM ASPCA PLEASE READ THE SHARED ARTICLE BELOW.
http://www.aspca.org/

Holiday Safety Tips

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe!

Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

O Christmas Tree

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries

By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Toy Joy

Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Leave the Leftovers

Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.

That Holiday Glow

Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up

Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.

House Rules

If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Put the Meds Away

Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

Careful with Cocktails

If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

A Room of Their Own

Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year's Noise

As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Just taking a few precautions will ensure the safety of your family and your pets to have a safe and wonderful holiday. Just to be safe, place those beautiful holiday plants up high and out of reach of pets and children.

Shared by ASPCA Website. http://www.aspca.org/.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO OUR WONDERFUL CLIENTS AND PETS!!!

JOHNSON RANCH ANIMAL DOCTOR'S AND STAFF.