Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Smart people pet proof the holidays

Every year emergency animal hospitals are packed with pets suffering from holiday related injuries. Here are a few holiday hazards to avoid to insure you and your pet a smooth season (don't end up like me, flying to the emergency animal hospital because the dog has a taste for shiny glass balls).

No ham for you dog...

  • Watch out for holiday foods. Many of our favorite holiday meals are filled with fats, and can lead to pancreatitis and other side effects that you will not want to clean up.
  • Pets love eating plants, but Christmas flora can be deadly for pets. Make sure to keep mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettias far away from your furry friend's reach.
  • Oh Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree, your ornaments look so...yummy! The bright colors and flashing lights of your tree look just like something your pets a promoted to play with -- their toys! Make sure to buy pet-safe plastic ornaments, not glass ones which can cause the pet to internally bleed if ingested (they will look just as pretty without the trip to the doggy ER). Also, be sure to tether your tree to the wall. Christmas trees can easily be tipped over, possibly causing damage to you, your pet and your pad.
  • You may wait to unwrap your presents until its time to open, but your pet wont, especially if the shiny pretty package is filled with tasty treats like chocolates. Don't let your perfect wrapping job be ruined by a prowling pooch -- keep your gifts out of their paws.

If you have a holiday related pet emergency, be sure to visit your nearest animal hospital ASAP. While a late night visit might be costly (I know what I am asking Santa for this year; pet insurance), it could save your best friend's life.


Your pooch probably isn't a fan of holiday dog clothes either.


For more information, visit the ASPCA.

4 comments:

dzignjulz said...

One more- Ribbons might seem like a great toy, but if a cat (or anything else) eats them, ribbons and strings can mess up their stomachs really bad.

testanator said...

You should definitely post the Christmas vacation clip when Snots ruins the house.

Snake Child said...

To steal a line from Patrick Swayze in Ghost...ditto.

I agree with Nator - please post the clip!

"This here's our pride and joy, Snots. Snots, you roll over and let Uncle Clark scratch your belly!"

Unknown said...

I hope the dog's okay...