| The Christmas season is a time of reflection, family, | | | | Table scraps and other foods high in fat content may |
| peace, and celebration. Planning for the holidays often | | | | cause pancreatitus (inflammation of the pancreas), a |
| means preperation of the household for friends, | | | | potentially life threatening situation in companion |
| family, and other guests. Unfortunately, most | | | | animals. Avoid raw metas and bones. Many diseases |
| preperations do not include safety. In particular - pets. | | | | shared by people and pets are passed through this |
| Pets are curious animals and that mischievous wonder | | | | bad habit. Sharp bone fragments are a common |
| can get them, and you, into serious trouble. | | | | source of punctured intestinal tracts and blockages. |
| Some of the concerns listed in this article may seem | | | | Chocolates |
| far fetched to readers, but not to the veterinarians | | | | A favorite among holidy revelers is chocolates. |
| who treat these animals season after season. | | | | Chocolates contain stimulants including caffeine and |
| Tinsel, String and Decorative Wrapping | | | | theobromine. Bakers chocolate (unsweetened) is |
| Holiday decorations of tinsel, ribbons, yarn and string | | | | especially dangerous. One once of this can kill a small |
| are the norm in most households. They are traditions | | | | dog. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include diarrhea, |
| pleasing to the eye. And not just human. Cats love | | | | hyperactivity, vomiting, and heart palpatations. |
| string and tinsel. It may be cute and seem innocent | | | | Therefore, do not leave chocolates unsupervised or |
| but it is deadly. When ingested, these items can | | | | within reach of pets. Chocolates in large quantities |
| become lodged in the intestinal tract. Often times | | | | can also contain high levels of fat (see table scraps |
| safe removal requires life threatening and costly | | | | section). |
| surgery. | | | | Ornamental Plants |
| Holiday roasts and turkeys are tied with twine to | | | | Many holiday plants such as holly, poinsettas, and |
| hold everything in place. If not properly disposed of | | | | mistletoe may be toxic to pets if ingested. Holly is |
| these tasty morsels attract cats and dogs alike. | | | | most commonly associated with digestive upset and |
| Before you know it you may be taking a trip to the | | | | nervous system depression. The ingestion Poinsetta |
| emergency clinic. | | | | leaves results in mild to moderate digestive upsets. |
| Christmas Trees | | | | American Mistletoe produces quite severe digestive |
| Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a fresh | | | | tract irritation, as well as low temperature, low heart |
| tree! To help your pet avoid injuries, ensure your | | | | rate, and sometimes seizures. All symptoms may lead |
| tree is firmly mounted. The base should fit firmly in | | | | to coma and even death. |
| the tree stand and the top should be anchored to | | | | Training Aid Use |
| the ceiling. Cats love to climb trees. Dogs love to | | | | Many companion pet owners find it impossible to |
| scratch themselves on the trunk and the needles. | | | | seperate their pets from the family and festivities. |
| Many trees have toppled over during these activities | | | | Afterall, the pets are part of the family. Precaution is |
| causing not just a ruined setting but broekn bones, | | | | the name of the game in safety. Try to anchor your |
| punctured or lacerated skin, and sprains. If using a | | | | trees and arrainge your house the same as you |
| real tree, ensure it has plent of fresh water. Avoid | | | | would if a toddler were around. The use of training |
| using chemicals because animals may drink the water | | | | aids and spray products are acceptable to use to |
| and become poisoned. Most sprays to simulate snow | | | | provide a safe, natural menas of marking areas to |
| are very dangerous to pets. Also, glass ornaments | | | | keep pets away from. Many products are available |
| can be dangerous if knocked from the tree and | | | | on the market for this purpose. Most work. Take |
| broken. Fine glass can be ingested or become | | | | caution to pick a product that is natural and safe. You |
| imbedded into the pads or the skin between the | | | | don't want to introduce any nasty chemicals into |
| toes. Try to avoid these types of ornaments if | | | | your house or create one health problem while trying |
| possible or at least move them away from the ends | | | | to avoid another. Use common sense and preperation |
| of branches or lower reaches. | | | | to have a wonderful holiday season. |
| Table Scraps | | | | |