Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday for your Pet

We all want to have a happy and healthy holiday. The last thing we want is to run our furbaby to the emergency vet over the holidays! Here are some quick and simple tips to remember for preventing just that.

Brown Tabby Cat Beside Green Christmas Tree, by Jessica Lewis

Pets are a lot like toddlers in the sense that they are attracted to new things, with bright lights, that shine, dangle and sometimes make noise. It's like a pets holiday wonderland. The moment my tree came out this year he was scuttled half way up! But it's important to be aware what's a hazardous and what's not to ensure that healthy holiday we planned.

1. Live Christmas tree smell wonderful and add so much beauty to your home but Pine tree water can be toxic. Make sure you are using an enclosed tree stand. If that's not possible, be sure to keep the open stand covered so your pets cannot access the water. And make sure the tree is secured well. Topping trees can cause serious injuries to both dogs and cats.

2. Ornaments and hooks, and twinkling lights and wires pose serious threat to pets. Especially cats who climb Christmas trees but dogs who like to get up into the trees business too. When no one is around to supervise your pet, make sure the lights are off. We definitely do not want a toasted kitty or pup.

Holiday plants that are poisonous to pets include:

1. Mistletoe berries

2. Holly

3. Hibiscus

4. Christmas roses

5. Poinsettia

These plants should be kept out of reach of your pets. If ingested you should contact your vet for further instructions based on the amount and the size of your pet.

Food is a common reason for holiday emergency room trips. Be cautious of the following human foods:

1. Dark and Baker's Chocolate: Dark and baker's chocolate contain high levels of theobromine and caffeine. Your pets are extremely sensitive to both and ingesting either type of chocolate could be fatal.

2. Xylitol: A sugar substitute that causes a dog's blood sugar to drop quickly. This poisoning can be treated but can cause liver failure if not treated properly.

3. Macadamia Nuts: When ingested, dogs will experience extreme weakness in their hind legs, appearing paralyzed. Dogs usually recover after about 3 days but should still see a veterinarian.

4. Bread Dough: When bread dough is ingested it continues to rise and can cause intestinal blockages.

If your pet ingests any potentially poisonous product you should call your veterinarian or an emergency vet as soon as possible. Waiting could be the difference between life and death for your pet.

Brought to you by 9 Mile Pet Sitters in Nine Mile Falls, WA