I love Thanksgiving. It seems to be the opening act for more than a month of holiday fun. It signals some good Colorado weather changes; and, if you are smart, youíll start getting all your shopping done for Christmas. That said, the fun time also carries some hazards for our pets. This includes everything from the great holiday food to taking a family trip to fun parties. Just a quick look at some of the things that can help prevent a trip to the pet ER on such a fun day.
- Poison risk: I know it is tradition to over-do at the family feast, but this can be outright dangerous for your dogs and cats. Poultry bones can seriously damage your petís digestive tract. Holiday sweets can contain ingredients poisonous to pets.
- Keep the feast on the table:†Fatty foods like turkey skin can likely cause pancreatitis, a potentially fatal disease. Also, many of the holiday foods are hard for animals to digest, and some things that seem harmless are poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins and grapes.
- No sweets please: You probably already know that†chocolate can be harmful for pets, and many dogs will sniff it out and eat it. But also know that the artificial sweetener called xylitol, commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods, also can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats.
- Stash the trash:†A turkey carcass sitting out in the kitchen, or in the trash, could be deadly if your dog finds it. Dispose of turkey carcasses and bones and anything used to wrap or tie the meat.
- Decorative toxins: Donít forget that some flowers and holiday plants can be toxic to pets. These include poinsettias, amaryllis, Babyís Breath, Sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas and more. If you search online at the ASPCA, youíll find a comprehensive list.
- Act fast if you need to:†If you think your pet has eaten something it shouldnít have, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You may also want to call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435. Signs of pet distress include sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Visitors can cause pets to act strange: If you know your dog or cat is nervous when people visit your home, put him in another room or in a crate with a favorite toy. This will reduce the emotional stress on your pet and protect your guests from possible injury.
- Coming and going:†Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home ñ- they can dash out.
- Make sure they have an ID: proper identification with your current contact information, especially a microchip with up-to-date, registered information.
- What you need to take them with you. Generally speaking, your pet needs a†health certificate from your veterinarian†if youíre traveling across state lines or international borders, whether by air or car.
- And you know this: But Iíll say it again, never leave pets alone in vehicles, even for a short time, regardless of the weather. This is now against the law in some states!
- Keep them safe in the car:†Use a harness or a carrier placed in a location clear of airbags. This will protect your pets if you have to brake or swerve suddenly, or heaven-forbid you get in an accident.
- If youíre traveling by air, see your veterinarian. Air travel can be risky,†especially for short-nosed dogs. Your veterinarian will advise you regarding your own petís ability to travel, along with the documents you need.
- Pack for your pet, mostly because they canít do this themselves. But†if youíre going to travel together, take your petís food and medications and throw in the medical records. It is also not a bad idea to have some information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost when you are on the road.
- If you are going to board your pet: Talk with your veterinarian about†canine flu†vaccine and other contagious diseases. Make sure your dog or cat is up to date on everything. Also, your veterinarian probably knows the most reliable boarding facility near you.
Dr. Jim Humphries is a veterinarian and provides hospice and end-of-life care for pets in the Colorado Springs area. He also serves as a visiting professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. He lives in Falcon with his wife, horses and Great Danes. www.HomeWithDignity.com
