Pets: Safety tips to keep your pets healthy during the holidays
No matter what you’re celebrating, pet owners need to remember to keep their pets safe and healthy for the holidays.
“Veterinarians often see an uptick in the number of problematic calls during the holiday season,” explains Dr. Larry R. Corry, president of American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Whether it’s an exposure to chocolate, fatty foods or pets upset due to unexpected guests or costumed visitors late at night, the holidays can present problems for pets. The AVMA urges all pet owners to include the health and safety of their pets in any plans for the holidays.”
Here are the AVMA’s top safety tips:
1. Be wary of holiday decorations as pets often consume them.
2. Flowers are another common holiday feature that can result in an emergency visit. Poinsettias, amaryllis and mistletoe are on the list of common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to house pets who decide to eat them, Corry says.
3. Just like people, some pets are better at dealing with houseguests than others. If you know your pet has a problem with visitors, work with your veterinarian for solutions.
4. Many people believe that people food makes good treats for their pets, but this isn’t the case. Many common ingredients in a holiday feast, such as onions, garlic, chocolate and artificial sweeteners, are poisonous to pets. In addition, keep any gift that includes human food out of a pet’s reach.
5. Make sure you keep lit candles out of a pet’s reach, because the animal could light themselves, or your home, on fire.
For information, visit AVMA’s Web site, www.avma.org.
— Courtesy of ARAcontent
