Orange County Animal Services is proud to join The Bark Report with a special column called “Paws and Effect.” This column will be dedicated to informative animal services and adoption topics such as the importance of spay and neuter programs, adopting and adapting during COVID-19, introducing new pets into your home, and tips for helping pets and people adjust during family gatherings and celebrations. Join us for this monthly column to help spread the word about helping pets in many ways!

 

 

It’s that time of year when we get together (even if it’s on a smaller scale during COVID-19) 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 cause serious conditions like pancreatitis. Other foods that can be poisonous to pets include chocolate, yeast dough, onions, raisins, and grapes. Baked goods may contain ingredients (such as certain types of sweeteners) that are also very dangerous for pets. Don’t forget that giving people food to pets can also generally 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 some treats that are formulated just for them.

Hosting family and visitors is a wonderful part of celebrating, but pets can become stressed if considerations aren’t made for them when their house is full of people. All pets should be provided with a safe, comfortable, quiet place inside where they can retreat when they are ready. 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 separate room or a crate 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 escape.

Deck the halls but do it safely, fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la! Keep an eye on ornaments, chords, and trees. Pets love to break ornaments and/or try to eat them, and chewing through chords can cause burns or other injuries. Unplug decorations if you’re not around. If you have a Christmas tree, consider securing it so that it doesn’t tip over if pets try to climb on it or play with the ornaments. Do not apply any additives to the water for a live tree as they can be very dangerous if pets try to drink the water. Be aware that pets often try to eat tinsel, parts of the Christmas tree, and other holiday decorations, which can cause intestinal blockages. 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.

Thanks to all of you wonderful, responsible pet lovers out there. All of us at Orange County Animal Services 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!

 

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.