Season’s Greetings! The holiday season is in full flow, but the conclusion is near. This is a truly unique time of year. It’s important to slow down and reconnect with our loved ones. This includes our pets! With New Year’s Eve approaching, you should take a few precautions to keep your furry bestie safe and sound. A Crown Point, IN veterinarian discusses pet safety in this article.
Toxins
Poison poses a persistent threat to your pet, regardless of the season. Many household items are toxic to pets. That list contains household cleaners, automotive products, pesticides, lawn/garden supplies, and pharmaceuticals. Antifreeze is another key issue. It is especially hazardous to pets. Unfortunately, many animals enjoy the flavor. Select a pet-friendly brand, and wipe up any spills immediately. Put litter down in damp areas just to be sure.
Don’t Give Pets Unsafe Foods
We all love those scrumptious Christmas feasts, and they’re not over yet! Fido and Fluffy are both quite good at convincing us to share our dinners with them. While some things on the menu are harmless, others might cause serious illness or even death.
Here are some of the harmful foods:
Grapes, Currants, And Raisins
These little fruits are useful to people, but extremely hazardous to canines. In fact, dogs can suffer organ failure after consuming just one. The issue here is tartaric acid, which causes severe—and occasionally fatal—damage to dogs’ kidneys.
Meat on Bone
You can feed your pet meat, fish, and poultry, but only offer them cooked, unseasoned meat that is free of skin, bones, and fat. Bones are especially dangerous when cooked. They become quite delicate and can break into sharp shards. These are significant choking dangers and can cause serious—and potentially fatal—internal damage if swallowed.
Sweets
Anything high in sugar is generally not good for your pet. However, certain objects are more dangerous than others. Xylitol is a big issue. It is also known as birch sugar and has been linked to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in pets. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and vomiting. Seizures and black and/or tarry stools are more serious signs. Unfortunately, intake might result in liver failure, coma, or even death.
Chocolate/Caffeine
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which pets cannot digest. In small doses, it may cause nausea and diarrhea. Larger quantities can result in seizures, heart issues, coma, or death. Even worse, the deadly dosage might be as low as one ounce per pound of a pet’s body weight.
Here are some other unsafe foods:
- Garlic, Onion, And Chives
- Avocado
- Raw Dough
- Macadamia Nuts
- Xylitol (Birch Sugar)
- Anything Heavy In Salt, Sugar, Or Fat.
- Alcohol
Consult your Crown Point veterinarian about safe and dangerous foods.
Keep Plants Out Of Paws’ Reach
Did you receive plants as a present this year? These festive decorations may be dangerous to playful pets! Holly contains methylxanthines, saponins, and cyanogens. If swallowed, these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Mistletoe produces cytotoxin viscumin, which is toxic to dogs. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, and cardiac difficulties. Poinsettias can also induce gastrointestinal issues. Plus, consuming too many leaves can be fatal. Lilies are one of the most toxic plants for cats. In fact, just nibbling a few leaves or drinking a little water can cause fatal organ damage in cats. Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins, which are toxic to pets. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Stick with plants that you know are safe for pets.
If you have real plants, keep them away from those fuzzy paws! Remember that even healthy plants can become deadly if they are covered with glitter or decorated with little things, such as tiny reindeer or bows. Ask your veterinarian for further information on safe and harmful plants.
Be Very Careful With Flames And Fire
Chestnuts roasting over an open fire may be an iconic sight, but exercise caution to keep any fire or flames controlled. If your fireplace burns wood, install a grate in front of it. This is a simple, typical safety measure. Candles should also be kept in high places. Be careful with potpourri burners as well!
Be Aware Of Stress
Holiday stress is a serious issue for both humans and pets! Our furry friends are creatures of habit. Schedule changes, visits, travel, and even environmental changes might be stressful to them. This will be especially useful on New Year’s Eve, when the noise of partygoers and fireworks can disturb and frighten our four-legged companions.
Keep your pet’s schedule as constant as possible. Also, pay close attention to Fluffy and Fido. If you intend to have company, give them a secure, quiet place to relax away from the chaos. You can set them up in a back bedroom with all of the requisite goods.
If your pet is easily startled, consult your veterinarian about pet-calming products. There are several choices available, like snacks, sprays, and collars. Simply follow the packaging instructions to the letter.
Make an Appointment at Our Crown Point, IN Veterinary Clinic
New Year’s celebrations can be loud, busy, and full of hazards—foods, doors opening, party stress, and noise anxiety. Planning ahead is the best prevention, and a quick pre-holiday checkup can help you address anxiety concerns, refill preventives, and discuss safety strategies that match your household. Southlake Animal Hospital is here to help your pet ring in the new year safely. If you’re searching for a great “vet near me” in Crown Point, IN before the festivities, you’ve found us! Make an appointment with our veterinary clinic.