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Holiday Hazards
Holiday Stress
Christmas Donation
Fleas!
New Greenies
Have a Happy Holiday
Every holiday season we see an increase in ill or injured pets due to holiday hazards. Holiday foods and decorations, or winter weather present many new hazards for our pets. For that reason, we remind you each year about the potential hazards that your pets are exposed to during the holidays.
Potential Poisons
Please, don’t share the holiday treats with your pets and beware of the sneak attack by your dog or cat during food preparation. Things like bread dough, raw cake and cookie dough, chocolate, onions, raisins or grapes, and alcohol can all be harmful or even fatal for your pet. Many spices contain essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression. A small bite of turkey can be OK but don’t allow your pet to eat raw or undercooked turkey. This could be contaminated with salmonella. Turkey, gravy, dressing, etc, except in very small quantities, can cause pancreatitis, a very painful condition. Most animals with acute pancreatits require hospitalization with IV fluids and medications to control vomiting and abdominal pain. Some pets die from acute pancreatitis.
Stuff a Kong® for your dog or cat while the human family enjoys the holiday feast. You could even stick in a tiny tidbit of turkey or a little bit of one of the vegetables you’re having with the meal. They’ll be happily occupied for a while.
Most dogs and cats like the sweet flavor of antifreeze and it is extremely poisonous. Be sure to keep any antifreeze, new or used, in closed containers and out of the reach of your pets.
 Holiday decorations
Tinsel, ribbon, extension cords, the Christmas tree and it’s water basin, ornaments, and lights, poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, among others, pose what can be a life-threatening risk to your pets. Make sure access to any of these things is either closely monitored or completely restricted. Baby gates can keep most dogs from accessing these areas but cats will not hesitate to go through or over a baby gate. Find a way to keep your pet away from the decorations unless you are there to monitor what they may be getting into.
Winter Weather Hazards
Outside pets must have unlimited access to unfrozen water. Cracking the ice to expose open water only allows access for a while as it can refreeze quickly. Their water must be changed several times a day depending on the temperatures. Changing it in the morning and again at bedtime may not be often enough. A water heater can keep your pet’s water unfrozen. Most pet stores carry these. Outdoor dogs must have a well-built, wind-resistant dog house with warm, dry bedding. Make sure the dog house is situated away from the direction of the wind. When temperatures go sub-zero, it is time to bring in the outside pets - even if it is just in the garage. When your pet has been outside, wipe their feet as they come in to remove any sidewalk salt or iceballs that may have accumulated between their pads. Beware of not-quite-frozen ponds or lakes. Animals that fall through the ice usually can’t get out.
Holiday Stress
Everyone suffers from stress around the holidays, even your pets. There is one simple word that may lead to less stress for them – routine. Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. Stay consistent with feeding and exercise times. Reduce your own stress levels. Pets often pick up on their human family’s stress. They may not understand it but they can be affected by it. If you are traveling over the holidays and the pets get to go along, take as many familiar things as you can. Spend time with them - playing, walking, running. Remember, a tired dog (or cat) is a happy dog. If your pet is staying home with regular pet sitters, reinforce with the pet sitter the importance of maintaining routine. If you have a new pet sitter, have them spend a little time with you and your pet before you leave town so your pet can get comfortable with this stranger. If you are going to use a boarding facility, and your pet hasn’t boarded there before, stop into the facility for a tour. A good boarding facility will gladly give you a tour anytime you stop in. A trial run is also a good idea, even if it is just a day care visit. Get some idea of your pet’s reaction to the visit. If you see signs of high stress, speak with your veterinarian regarding the possible use of a stress-reducing product or medication while your pet is boarding.
Christmas Donation
Just a reminder, we are accepting donations for the Military Working Dogs Cooling Vest Project. The donation boxes will be out through the end of the year. Please join our doctors and staff in supporting this worthy project.
Fleas!
We are continuing to see quite a few flea problems even though it is December. The milder weather we’ve had so far this year is not killing off the fleas that are still livng outdoors. Please continue to use your flea preventive medication this month and possibly even into January. Continue to use your heartwom preventive medication too. Those mosquitoes could still be around.
New Greenies
The Nutro® Company, manufacturer of Greenies®, has introduced a new line of dental treats  -Veterinary Formula Canine Dental Chews. Working with veterinarians, they developed their most powerful teeth-cleaning formula yet. This new formula contains ingredients that protect your dog's oral health, cognitive function, immune and skin health defenses, and metabolism. Cleaner teeth and fresher breath are only the cosmetic results of reducing plaque and tartar accumulation on the teeth. Many body systems are signifcantly affected by the bacteria that are found in the mouth.
This new line of Greenies® has received the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance®. The third-party studies showed that one Greenies® Veterinary Formula Dental Chew each day can mechanically reduce plaque and tartar build up by as much as 80%. Available only at your veterinary office.
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