Holiday Delights and Safety for pets

Everywhere we are beginning to see the joys of the Holiday season.  Decorations and delicious treats are appearing. 

While you are decorating your own humble abode, remember to consider how these new sights and smells appear to your pet.  Twinkling lights dancing before them are so very enticing, however, can be dangerous and disasterous if chewed or pulled.  Ornaments and tinsel can present a choking hazard.  Candles should be placed where animals will not knock them over.

Do not let animals drink holiday water, whether it be from poinsettias or the tree basin.  Avoid putting aspirin in the tree basin water.  It is thought that the aspirin will extend the life of the tree, however, this can pose a serious health risk.

Tasty cookies, fudge and other yummy morsels are displayed openly and admittedly are very inviting.  You don't want to invite the wrong patron though as some of the ingredients used to make them are very bad for animals.  Click on this link from the Humane Society for potentially harmful ingredients Poisonous foods for pets.  Although you may not have these individually displayed, think of Eggnog.  This would be very enticing to both cat and dog, yet potentially very dangerous.  Keep pets away from packaging, string, garbage and

Holidays can be stressful for humans as we all well know!  Your pet may be a bit nervous by all the activity and noise.  To reduce stress (even for yourself) keep pets on a regular schedule of exercise and feeding as much as possible.  Consider adding pumpkin with ginger to your pets diet (1 tsp for felines and 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup depending on canine size 1 time per day ).  Pumpkin and ginger are great for digestion and most pets love it! 

Make time to spend with your pet as you do any other time of the year.  It is a good idea not to let your dog out on its own, preventing not only dangerous situations but nuisance to your neighbors.

If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hot-line at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested any glass, plastic, or other small sharp objects call your veterinarian.

We at Paws wish you every happiness during this Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year.