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With so many holidays ahead, it is easy for pets to be overlooked, neglected or even over-loved! Sometimes the very things we do to make the holidays "special" for our pets are actually bad for their health. Here are some tips for making this a merry and safe holiday season for our furry friends, too.
ยท No chocolate. Chocolate is one thing that it is best to be selfish about. Chocolate contains a chemical - theobromine - that is actually toxic to dogs and cats; so no sneaking chocolate treats.
ยท Avoid overfeeding. According to Terry Schneider, an instructor and veterinary clinician, obesity is the single most common preventable veterinary medical issue in dogs and cats. So offer your pet more fun and exercise as a special treat instead of more food.
ยท Don't change your pet's diet. Save the turkey for leftovers - not your pet's dish. Abrupt diet changes can play havoc with your pet's digestive system leading to everything from diarrhea to a potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas.
ยท If you travel with your pet, don't forget to have the proper vaccinations and documentation ahead of time. And be certain you can identify your pet if it is lost or stolen. According to Kathleen Connell, Washington's assistant state veterinarian, nothing beats a collar with multiple identification tags and a permanent microchip inserted under the animal's skin.
ยท Be watchful of the weather. Cold weather requires extra diligence on your part, which may be difficult with all the distractions of holiday time. Be certain your pet has plenty of drinking water - not ice! And watch for leaking antifreeze, which is very attractive - and very toxic - to pets. Also, cold can cause frostbite in your pets, just as it can in humans - ears are particularly sensitive. So be certain your pet is safe from the weather.
ยท Protect your pet from the decorations. Glass balls are so shiny and attractive - and potentially deadly if shattered and eaten. Mistletoe and poinsettias are both poisonous and can be fatal if consumed in quantity. And those trailing electrical cords can result in electrocution if chewed. Even something as harmless looking as tinsel can create serious digestive problems. So use precautions.
ยท Don't give pets as presents. The stress and hustle of holiday time is not ideal for introducing a new pet to a household. Animal shelters often fill up after holidays because families couldn't adapt to the new pet.
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