Orange County Animal Services joins us for another edition of their Paws and Effect column. This time, they’ll talk about pet safety this holiday season.
It’s that time of year when we get together for holiday celebrations. There will be food, family, and decorations! Please remember to consider the safety of pets so that all humans and animals can enjoy these fun times without having to contend with an unexpected trip to the veterinary clinic.
Pets should not have people food. Table scraps (including bones, turkey, and turkey skin) can be dangerous for pets even if they are only given in small amounts. Pets often have a hard time digesting these foods and they can result in serious medical conditions. Other foods that can be poisonous to pets include chocolate, yeast dough, onions, raisins, and grapes. Baked goods may contain ingredients (such as sweeteners) that are also very dangerous for pets. Don’t forget that giving people food to pets can also cause tummy upset, and no one wants a celebration to turn into a clean-up operation if a pet has an accident in the house. Make sure that leftovers and trash containers are inaccessible to pets. If you want to give your pet something special, consider buying pet treats with ingredients that are safe for them.
Hosting family and visitors is a wonderful part of celebrating, but pets can become stressed. All pets should have a safe, comfortable, quiet place inside where they can escape the crowd. Having a little space and alone time can help reduce stress and keep pets from reacting badly to guests. Nervous pets should be put it in a quiet, separate room or an enclosed space with a toy or something that comforts them. Preparing guests for a celebration that includes pets is also a good idea. Even if your pets are comfortable with guests, watch out for them to try and escape when people are entering or exiting your home. Make sure your pets are microchipped and have visible ID tags so that they can make their way back to you more quickly if they do become lost.
Deck the halls but do it safely, falalalala lalalala! Keep an eye on ornaments, tinsel, cords, and trees. Pets love to break ornaments and/or try to eat them, and chewing through cords can cause serious injuries. Unplug decorations if you’re not around. If you have a Christmas tree, consider securing it so that it does not tip over if pets try to climb on it. Watch out for pets attempting to drink the water underneath a live tree, especially if the water contains additives. Some flowers and other festive plants may also be poisonous to pets.
It’s important to be prepared! Have numbers for local veterinarians on hand for possible emergencies. If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something dangerous, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. The ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (1-888-426-4435) is also an available resource. Signs of pet distress might include sudden changes in behavior, lethargy, pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
For more information about Orange County Animal Services (OCAS), please visit ww.orangecountync.gov/AnimalServices. All of us at OCAS send our best wishes to you and your pets this holiday season. We hope you have tons of fun and stay safe, healthy, and happy!
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