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Get Healthy: How To Keep You Pet Safe From Holliday Trimmings, Food, Gatherings
Morgan McCabe Times correspondent
Hold the mistletoe and poinsettias.
Those are just two things that make the holidays merry and bright for you but can be a danger to your pets.
"With all the new stimulation that comes with the holidays, decorations, family and friends visiting and trips, this is when they will most likely eat bad things or run out the front door," said Adrian Moreno, a recognized boxer breeder with 30 years of experience in dog training, particularly modifying aggressive behavior..
To prevent pets from slipping out as guests arrive, Moreno said it's best to supervise your pets "or secure them in a suitable place" such as a quiet room with a bed and safe toys to soothe them. Or have willing guests occupy them with play.
"Remember that pets observe and respond to their world very differently than we do," Mareno said. "Sudden noises, smells and changes in schedule can bring about changes in behavior."
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During the holidays, watch for signs of stress such as aggression, barking, chewing or indoor elimination. He advises spending time with pets, ensuring they are well-fed and routinely exercised and giving them a quiet space and engaging toys to reduce stress.
Freida White, executive director of the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana in Gary, also noted the importance of providing a peaceful and secure environment, especially for new pets who may be overwhelmed by unfamiliar people and activities.
"Pets may be bombarded with people coming at them during the holidays, which can be overwhelming, so we should give them their own safe spot," White said.
Like overstimulation, fatty human foods can cause harm and should be avoided.
"Pancreatitis is probably the most common food-related issue we see in cats and dogs during the holidays," said Dr. Jenice Bell, veterinarian at Morthland Animal Hospital in Valparaiso.
Bell said signs of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
"Guests think they're doing pets a favor sneaking a treat under the table, but sometimes they can't tolerate it because of allergies or they're on special diets. Get to the vet as soon as you notice symptoms for better outcomes and to prevent hospitalization," said Bell. "We can do a quick blood test, treat in-house and send you home with medication."
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, human foods unsuitable for your pets include cooked bones; fatty, spicy foods; alcoholic beverages; grapes; raisins; chocolate; onions; coffee; and raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish. Also make sure no medicines are accessible to pets.
"Any time it is a question of ingestion, call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) to determine if a trip to the vet is warranted," said Cassie Osterman, a certified and registered veterinary technician at Animal Urgent Care in Crown Point. Keep your vet's number handy and know how to reach after-hour emergency services if you suspect your pet has consumed something they shouldn't have including wrapping paper, broken ornaments or tinsel.
Moreno mentioned that poinsettias are also on the list of "bad things" for pets to eat. They can cause oral irritation, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
And according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, other holiday plants such as holly, mistletoe and yew are toxic to many animals.
Kim Daugherty, veterinarian assistant at St. John Animal Clinic, said firestarter logs can also present risks of obstruction and chemical reactions if ingested. "The logs' ingredients do vary so we recommend that if your pet gets ahold of one, call the Pet Poison Helpline, which has lists of ingredients in various logs. That information will help your vet determine case-by-case treatment."
The ASPCA recommends keeping breakable ornaments, batteries, electrical wires and lit candles out of pets' reach to prevent injury, electrocution or burns.
Hanging bells on lower tree branches will alert you if your pet tries to climb the tree, ingests pine needles or drinks tree water. Food gifts are best kept off the floor. They also suggest securing Christmas trees with plant hooks and wire to keep them upright.
Also skip the tinsel, which is alluring and can lead to surgery if ingested. Veterinary assistant Hilary Lajcin at Hobart Animal Clinic recommends seeing the veterinarian if your pet eats tinsel. "Do not pull on it if you see it passing out of them," she added. "It can anchor in the intestines and pulling can cause constriction, requiring surgery."
The Animal Humane Society says that if your holiday plans include traveling by car with pets, buckle or crate them and close windows to prevent escape or injury.
tips• Holiday Hazards for Pets: To learn more about keeping pets safe and healthy during the holidays, Dr. Jenice Bell, DVM, CertAqV at Morthland Animal Hospital In Valparaiso, highly recommends pet owners check out the resources offered by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Pet Poison Hotline.
Visit them at: aspca.Org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips
And
petpoisonhelpline.Com
• Keep the Pet Poison Hotline phone number (855) 764-7661 and your vet's number handy; know how to reach after-hour emergency services.
• Human foods that aren't good for your pets include cooked bones, fatty, spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, coffee, raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish. Make sure no medicines are accessible to pets.
Learn more at: humanesociety.Org/resources/plants-and-food-can-be-poisonous-pets
• Holiday blues: How to cope with season-related stress for cats and dogs.
Dogs: vcahospitals.Com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it
Cats: humanesociety.Org/resources/keeping-your-cat-stress-free
• Cold weather safety: The Humane Society recommends keeping pets indoors during cold weather to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering and muscle stiffness, while frostbite can cause discoloration, pain, swelling and blisters. If you notice these signs, take your pet to the vet immediately.
More on frostbite: anticruelty.Org/news/keep-pets-safe-frostbite
More on hypothermia: akc.Org/expert-advice/health/hypothermia-in-dogs-how-cold-is-too-cold#:~:text=Left%20in%20the%20cold%20for,issue%20at%20extremely%20low%20temperatures.
• The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that sweet-tasting anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) can be fatal to pets if consumed. Consult a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.
More at: aspca.Org/news/digging-deeper-getting-facts-dangers-antifreeze-and-your-pets
• Protective gear and aids: "It is so important to use pet-safe salt instead of regular sidewalk salt to protect paws," Julie Plesha, Assistant Manager at the Portage Petco, said. Clean your pet's paws when they come inside to remove irritating salt residue. Plesha says that protective boots, outerwear, and balms to protect and soothe chapped snouts and cracked paws are go-to's at the Portage Petco. "I use the Espree brand balm for my miniature Doberman," she said. It can also help reduce slippage on ice.
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