Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Are you tempted to skip your pets' heartworm and flea medicines during the winter? Dogs and cats actually need parasite prevention all year round. Year-round parasite control for pets helps keep the whole family safe from parasite-transmitted disease.
Warm spells during the winter are common in North Carolina, so we can’t count on cold temperatures to suppress insects that carry disease. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks can also live through the winter in areas that are protected from the cold. Heartworms Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become active when the temperature rises above about 50°F (which happens routinely in North Carolina during the winter). But occasional warm winter days aren’t the only reason pets need year-round heartworm prevention. Heartworm preventives work by killing tiny heartworm larvae that are already in an animal’s bloodstream. These larvae came from mosquitoes that bit the animal in the past month or more. Skipping a month of heartworm prevention could mean that your dog isn’t protected from heartworm larvae that he was exposed to when it was warmer. The American Heartworm Society recommends giving heartworm preventives all year round. Intestinal parasites (worms) Some heartworm preventives also control intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms. These parasites can infect humans too. Giving parasite prevention to your pets throughout the year is a sensible safety measure. Fleas Fleas don’t just causing itching. They also transmit diseases like cat scratch disease, tapeworms, and plague. Fleas lay eggs that drop off the infested animal into the environment. This means that flea eggs are present everywhere the animal has been, including inside a home. After the eggs hatch, the larvae and pupae (intermediate stages) can stay dormant for weeks to months before becoming adult fleas. Because fleas can go through their life cycle indoors, they don’t need to wait for warm weather to develop into adult fleas. Flea infestations are easier to prevent than to treat, so the best chance of avoiding a flea problem is to give your pets year-round flea prevention. Ticks Ticks carry many diseases that affect both pets and people. Some tick species, including the type that transmits Lyme disease, are active during the winter when the temperature is above freezing. Ticks tend to live in leaf litter, crevices of buildings, and underbrush. When they’re ready to take a blood meal, they move to grassy areas or shrubbery near paths and latch onto a passing animal or person. Ticks can be hard to see through fur, so you might not realize that your dog has picked up a tick. Because of the risk of serious disease, the safest approach is to limit tick exposure: control ticks around your home and give your pets tick preventives recommended by your veterinarian. Photo by Justin Veenema Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  ’Tis the season for charitable giving. What better way to honor our pets than to help other animals and the people who take care of them?
Donate Money Local animal shelters and rescue groups can always use financial contributions. Money donated to national organizations may not find its way to local groups. Consider making a donation in memory of a pet you’ve lost. Memorial donations can also be thoughtful gifts for other animal lovers. The choice of charity is personal (and if you’re making a donation on someone else’s behalf, it’s a good idea to send it to one of their favorite charities). You might want to donate to an organization that funds research on animal health, like the Morris Animal Foundation, the Winn Feline Foundation, or a veterinary school. Do you have a friend or family member with a new dog or cat but not a lot of cash? The cost of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and preventive medicine (like heartworm pills) adds up. They might appreciate a contribution to a health care fund for their new pet. Donate Pet Food or Supplies Our hungry neighbors need help feeding their pets too, and some food banks accept pet food donations. Mallard Creek Animal Hospital is holding a pet food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank through December 30, 2018. Drop off food or cash donations at the office. We (and the animals) are grateful for our clients’ generosity! Shelters and rescue groups usually need pet food, towels, blankets, cleaning supplies, training toys, cat scratching pads, and other items. Check with the organization before donating supplies; many post wish lists on their websites. Volunteer Shelters and rescue groups depend on volunteers. Some volunteer positions require training and an ongoing time commitment. If you have only a few hours, consider hosting a pet food or supply drive or holding a fundraiser. Need community service hours for school or an organization? Minor children usually can’t work directly with shelter animals, but children can set up donation drives or fundraisers like lemonade stands. Kids can also make pet items (like small blankets or catnip toys) at home and then deliver them to the shelter—but as always, check with the shelter first. Foster a Rescue Animal Do you have time, space in your home, and the right family (and pet) situation for a temporary house guest? Many rescue groups depend on fosters to house animals awaiting adoption. Animals in shelters also benefit from spending time in a foster home. Animals in foster care may have medical or behavioral issues that need to be addressed before they’re ready for adoption, so discuss the foster requirements with the rescue group. Are you a cat person? Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control needs people to foster kittens at home or help out in the kitten nursery. Adopt an Animal Adopting is a great way to help—but never give an animal as a gift! The exception is adopting a pet into your own household (when you’re prepared to take lifelong care of it) as a “gift” for the family. If you want to give a pet to someone else, consider instead giving them money or a homemade gift certificate toward the adoption or purchase of a pet of their choice when they're ready. Photo by uschi2807 Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Keep your pets safe, happy, and out of the emergency clinic with these Thanksgiving safety tips.
No fatty food Turkey skin, meat drippings, gravy, bacon, butter, and other fatty foods can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in dogs. This potentially painful condition leads to vomiting, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Pancreatitis can land a dog in the veterinary hospital for intensive care. Any dog can develop pancreatitis, but some breeds are more prone to it than others. Miniature schnauzers are the poster dogs for pancreatitis. No bones Don’t give your pet a turkey leg. Bones can get stuck in the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, or intestines). Sharp bones can puncture the digestive tract. No turkey brine The solution used to brine turkeys might taste great to pets, but the high salt content can lead to salt toxicosis. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, increased thirst, tremors, and seizures. No raw meat or raw eggs Raw meat and eggs can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella. Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to food poisoning from bacteria as humans are. No raisins, grapes, or currants Even small amounts of these fruits can cause kidney damage in dogs. No raw bread dough Raw yeast dough expands in a dog’s stomach, potentially causing bloat. Raw yeast dough also produces ethanol, which can give a pet alcohol poisoning. No chocolate or artificial sweeteners Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats; the darker the chocolate, the higher the risk. Many low-sugar and sugar-free foods (including some baked goods) contain xylitol, a sweetener that is very dangerous for dogs. No onions or garlic Cats are highly sensitive to compounds in onions, garlic, leeks, and chives that can cause anemia. Dogs and cats may also develop upset stomachs from eating these vegetables. Take out the trash Bones, corncobs, and string used to truss a turkey are all enticing to pets that have access to the garbage can. These items can cause intestinal blockages. Keep kitchen trash sealed away from your pets while you’re preparing the big meal. If you plan to block your pets out of the kitchen, remember that children and guests might leave interior doors and baby gates open. Watch the exits Pets may not be used to guests coming and going, and your company might not be prepared to stop your pets from dashing out of an open door. Make sure your pets all have identification (collar tag, microchip, or both) in case of an escape. Give your pets a safe space Give your pets a quiet place to get away from the action. Some pets are much more comfortable staying safely in another room the whole time guests are at your house. Guests who aren’t accustomed to having pets underfoot might appreciate this too. See the blog post about human foods that are toxic to pets for more details. Photo by Chevanon Photography Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Summer is rapidly approaching, and it’s already hot outside. Even when the weather is moderately warm, the temperature inside a parked car can rise dangerously high. Heat and humidity put dogs at risk of heat stroke, which can be fatal.
Dogs rely mostly on panting to cool themselves (they sweat only a little from their paw pads). But panting isn’t always enough to keep a dog’s body temperature in the normal range, from about 100°F to 103°F. As the body temperature rises above normal, dogs can develop heat exhaustion. Heat stroke (in dogs) is defined as a body temperature over 105.8°F along with central nervous system dysfunction. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency and has a reported death rate of about 50% in dogs. It damages the brain, kidneys, heart, intestines, and other internal organs, and it causes blood clotting disorders. Causes of heat stroke Heat stroke is caused either by exposure to heat and humidity or by strenuous physical exertion. These are situations that commonly lead to heat stroke in dogs:
Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, an emergency veterinary medicine specialist, recommends not exercising with your dog if the temperature (in Fahrenheit) plus the humidity level is over 150. So when the temperature is 80°F and the humidity level is 80%, it’s too hot to take your dog on a run (80 + 80 = 160). Dogs at risk Although any dog can develop heat stroke, the risk is higher in dogs with these conditions:
Signs of heat stress Dogs start showing signs of heat exhaustion before they develop full-blown heat stroke. Watch for the warning signs, which become more severe as heat stroke sets in:
If you see signs of heat exhaustion in your dog, carry him to a cooler place immediately; at least get him into the shade. Wet him down with cool water (ice is not necessary) and give him water if he’s able to drink on his own. Take him to a veterinary clinic right away if he has any of the more severe signs or if you’re not sure whether he’s OK after a few minutes. It’s much better to take in a dog who turns out to be fine than to delay treatment for a dog who has heat stroke. Preventing heat stroke
Sources
Photo by Kasia Koziatek Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Juvenile southern copperhead. Photo by James Gathany, CDC. It’s snake season in North Carolina. Snakes are most active in the early spring through fall, and dogs that accidentally disturb snakes sometimes get bitten. Although a bite from a venomous snake is a medical emergency, try not to panic if it happens to your dog.
North Carolina snakes North Carolina is home to about 37 snake species. Most are nonvenomous. Don’t run for the hoe if you see a snake in your yard; chances are it’s a nonvenomous snake that’s helping control the rodent population. Six venomous snake species live in North Carolina: copperheads, cottonmouths, 3 rattlesnake species, and coral snakes. Copperheads are by far the most common. In our state, venomous snakebites are usually from copperheads. Rattlesnakes and possibly cottonmouths can also be found in the Piedmont. Coral snakes are rare and live in the southeastern part of the state. See photos of NC snakes here: http://herpsofnc.org/snakes/. Symptoms of snakebite Nonvenomous bites: Nonvenomous snakes may bite if they are provoked. These bites may look like small abrasions or punctures in the shape of a horseshoe (if they’re visible at all). Venomous snakes sometimes bite without injecting any venom. Nonvenomous bites typically don’t require medical attention unless they become infected. Venomous bites: Venomous bites are easy to diagnose if you see a snake bite your dog. Diagnosis is a little trickier if the bite isn’t witnessed. Fractures, abscesses, and insect bites can cause symptoms similar to those of snakebite. Copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths are all pit vipers belonging to the family Crotalidae. These snakes inject venom through 2 long fangs. The puncture wounds might or might not be visible through a dog’s fur. Crotalid venom causes significant tissue damage at the bite site. Copperhead venom is typically less toxic than rattlesnake and cottonmouth venom. The severity of symptoms depends on the size of the dog, the amount of venom delivered, and the location of the bite (for example, bites to the face or neck can cause swelling that obstructs breathing). Symptoms that usually appear right away include the following:
Crotalid venom can also interfere with blood clotting. The venom of some rattlesnake species (not native to North Carolina) damages the nervous system. Coral snakes are in the family Elapidae, like cobras and mambas. Elapid venom targets the nervous system and can paralyze the muscles of breathing. Bites from coral snakes are serious medical emergencies but luckily are very rare. If your dog is bitten by a snake Stay as calm as possible; this will help your dog stay calm too. Limit your dog’s movement by carrying him to your car (if possible) instead of having him walk. Snakebites can be extremely painful, so you may need to muzzle your dog before handling him to prevent him from biting in response to pain. Take your dog to a veterinary hospital without delay. Treatment of crotalid bites depends on the severity of symptoms, and your dog will probably need to be hospitalized. Copperhead bites do not necessarily require antivenin. The decision to use antivenin depends on the individual case and the severity of symptoms. Do not try first aid techniques that you might have read about. These can worsen the tissue damage caused by crotalid venom and delay transport to a veterinarian.
Don’t try to kill or capture the snake. You risk being bitten yourself if you do. Snake identification is not necessary for treatment. Nearly all venomous snakebites in Mecklenburg County are from copperheads, but the treatment is similar for all pit viper bites. Crotalid antivenin is polyvalent, meaning the same antivenin treats copperhead, rattlesnake, and cottonmouth bites. Preventing snakebites The best way to avoid being bitten is to leave snakes alone. Copperheads are not aggressive and do not typically bite except in defense. Dogs may stumble upon snakes by accident, though, so take the following measures to reduce the risk:
For more information, check out the Snakes of North Carolina section of the NC Cooperative Extension website and the Carolinas Poison Center website. Image credit: CDC/James Gathany Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Do you know which common plants are toxic to dogs and cats? Spring is just around the corner and Poison Prevention Week is the third week of March, so this is a good time to discuss plant hazards in the house and yard.
This article covers only a few of the plants that are dangerous to dogs and cats. For more complete lists, see these websites:
If you think your pet may have licked or swallowed a plant or other toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or call one of the 24-hour animal poison control hotlines (a fee may apply):
Azalea, rhododendron All parts of these plants are toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, convulsions, coma, and death. Crocus Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and spring crocus (Crocus species) are 2 different types of plant. Autumn crocus is in the Liliaceae family. All parts of the autumn crocus are highly toxic to pets, even in small amounts. Ingestion can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, organ damage, shock, and death. Symptoms may not appear until a few days after ingestion. Spring crocus is in the Iridaceae family. These plants are not particularly toxic, although dogs and cats that eat them can develop drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cyclamen Cyclamen is a common flowering houseplant. The tubers (roots) are the most toxic part. Dogs and cats that eat any part of the plant can develop vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion of large amounts can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Daffodil, jonquil, paperwhite, amaryllis Dogs and cats that eat bulbs of Narcissus species can develop vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain. Ingestion of large quantities can lead to problems with breathing and heart rhythm. Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia (dumbcane) contains substances that cause severe mouth and throat pain. Ingestion can also cause nausea and trouble swallowing. Hyacinth, tulip Ingestion of hyacinth (Hyacinthus species) or tulip bulbs can cause mouth irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dogs that dig up the bulbs or find a bag of stored bulbs may eat large quantities and have more severe symptoms. Grape hyacinths are a different genus (Muscari) and are not toxic. Iris Ingestion of iris rhizomes (bulbs) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. Kalanchoe These flowering houseplants contain substances that cause stomach upset and, in higher doses, heart rhythm abnormalities and tremors. Lily Don’t bring lilies into your house if you have cats! Some are extremely dangerous for cats, even in small amounts. “True” lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) contain a toxin that can cause fatal kidney failure in cats. Some examples are Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, daylilies, stargazer lilies, and tiger lilies. All parts of these plants are poisonous to cats, and even pollen licked from a paw or water licked from a vase can be toxic. These lilies do not cause kidney failure in dogs. If your cat ingests any part of a lily, seek veterinary care immediately (bring the plant with you for identification). For more information, see No Lilies for Kitties on the Pet Poison Helpline website. Calla lilies, peace lilies, and Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria) are not true lilies and do not contain the agent that causes kidney failure. However, ingestion can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset in both dogs and cats. Lily of the valley Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) contains toxins called cardiac glycosides, which cause serious heart rhythm abnormalities. Ingestion of lily of the valley may be fatal. Other symptoms are vomiting, painful abdomen, and diarrhea. Cardiac glycosides are also present in foxglove (Digitalis species), kalanchoe, milkweed, and oleander. Marijuana The Pet Poison Helpline reports a 448% increase in marijuana cases in pets in the past 6 years. Pets can be poisoned by eating food that contains marijuana, being exposed to smoke, or ingesting the plant itself. Marijuana poisoning can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling, lethargy, incontinence, changes in heart rate, seizures, coma, and death in pets. Oleander All parts of the oleander plant contain cardiac glycosides. Oleander ingestion can cause heart rhythm problems, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. Sago palm Sago palm is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. It is also called fern palm or cycad (Cycas and Zamia species). This plant grows outdoors in warm regions and is also used as an ornamental houseplant. The seeds are the most poisonous part of the plant, but all parts contain the toxic agent. Ingestion causes liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, and death. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, only about half of animals that ingest sago palm survive. ASPCA Poison Control reports that ingestion of 1 or 2 seeds can be fatal. Sources: Brownie CF. Houseplants and ornamentals. Merck Veterinary Manual website. Accessed March 9, 2018. Brownie CF. Range plants of temperate North America. Merck Veterinary Manual website. Accessed March 9, 2018. Poisonous plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control website. Accessed March 9, 2018. Top 10 plants poisonous to pets. Pet Poison Helpline website. Accessed March 9, 2018. Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Cold weather can be hazardous to pets. Fur is not enough to protect pets when the temperature plummets, even if they spend most of their time outdoors when it's warmer. If it’s too cold for people to be outside for very long, it’s too cold for dogs and cats too.
Some cities have regulations stating that animals cannot be left outdoors when the temperature falls below a certain point. Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s animal ordinance is more general: “Animals must have an adequate shelter so that the animal can be protected from extremes of weather (heat, cold, rain, etc.) and able to remain dry and comfortable.” Use common sense when deciding how long your pets can be outdoors in cold weather. Know your pets’ limitations Some pets are more tolerant of cold weather than others. Body condition, coat type, age, and health all affect an animal’s ability to withstand low temperatures. A healthy 3-year-old Siberian husky can handle the cold more easily than an arthritic 11-year-old greyhound, but even the husky is susceptible to hypothermia if left outside too long. Medical conditions like heart disease and thyroid disease can make it harder for pets to regulate their body temperature. Pets with arthritis may be more likely to fall if they encounter icy patches. Very young and very old animals can also have trouble managing temperature extremes. These pets can go outdoors in the cold, but their time outside should be supervised and shorter than usual. Watch for signs that your pet is having trouble with the cold:
Bring them indoors It’s fine to let healthy dogs play outdoors in the cold for a while, but they shouldn’t stay out for a long time. In weather as cold as we’ve had this past week, dogs should certainly be indoors at night. How long they can stay outside during the day depends on the dog and the environment. The safest approach is to keep dogs indoors during the day and take them out frequently for supervised exercise. The Humane Society recommends never leaving cats outdoors in cold weather at all. Cats sometimes seek shelter in warm car engines. Bang on the hood of your car and perhaps honk the horn before you start the engine to evict stray cats and wildlife that might have taken refuge under the hood. Wrap them up We’ve seen some spiffy coats and sweaters on dogs coming into the clinic. If you think your pet will be more comfortable in a coat, be sure it fits snugly and has no loose parts that might trap legs or become a chew hazard. Remove wet clothing immediately; it will make pets colder. Keep them safe on walks January is Walk Your Pet Month. Even in cold weather, walking has great health benefits for both you and your dog. Keep dogs on a leash when you’re near bodies of water so they won’t jump in. Wipe their paws when you come indoors to remove ice balls stuck between their paw pads and chemicals used to melt ice on roads. Avoid poisons Ice-melting chemicals and salt are dangerous if swallowed or licked off paws. Keep these products out of reach of your pets. Do not let your pets lick or walk through any liquid that has leaked from a motor vehicle. Even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly; windshield washing solution is also toxic. More tips: Cold weather pet safety (AVMA) Cold weather safety tips (ASPCA) 7 Tips to keep animals healthy during cold weather (NCSU) Photo by Marcus Löfvenberg Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Do you like to give holiday gifts to your pets? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make them happy—as any cat owner whose cat likes the box better than the toy already knows. Rather than listing the latest and greatest toys you can buy at the last minute on Christmas weekend, I’ll discuss a few things you can do for your pets to keep them healthy and stress-free throughout the year.
Toys Toys are an important part of environmental enrichment for both dogs and cats. Environmental enrichment means giving animals objects and experiences that meet their psychological and physical needs. Providing adequate enrichment reduces animals’ anxiety, which in turn reduces unwanted behavior. Consider your pets’ natural instincts when choosing toys. Some dogs enjoy playing fetch; others (like all of the dogs I’ve had myself) would rather watch you do the fetching. Cats are natural predators and need toys that simulate stalk-and-pounce hunting. Behaviorists suggest using toys that provide different types of sensory stimulation (taste, vision, hearing, smell, and touch). For both dogs and cats, rotate toys to prevent boredom. Be mindful of possible choking hazards and monitor your pets while they are playing. Toy ideas for dogs:
Toy ideas for cats:
Exercise Exercise, which can include both walking and interactive play, benefits both you and your pets. Walking your dogs promotes bonding; sending them alone into a fenced yard does not. If you usually play with your pet for only a couple of minutes at a time, consider increasing the interaction time. In one study, owners who played with their cats for bouts of 5 minutes or longer reported fewer cat behavior problems than owners who played with their cats for only 1 minute at a time. Safe Spaces Give your pets indoor hideaways. A safe space can be a crate, a tall cat perch, or a quiet room—anywhere they can get away from visitors, other pets, or loud noises like New Year’s fireworks. Give your pets time to become comfortable with the safe space before a stressful event occurs so they will see it as a retreat, not a punishment. Preventive Care A veterinary blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the gift of good health! Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites (like hookworms and roundworms) are all common in the South. Parasite preventives are safer and more effective than they were in past decades, and keeping your pets free of parasites will also protect your own health. A new toothbrush and pet toothpaste are great stocking stuffers for pets. Regular physical examinations, appropriate vaccinations, and good nutrition will also help keep your pets healthy. Disaster Preparation Plan Give yourself peace of mind and ensure your pets’ safety by preparing in advance for winter storms and unexpected disasters. Plan how you’ll take your pets with you during an evacuation, and consider giving them microchips as permanent identification in case you get separated. See the disaster plan post for more tips. Above all, give your pets lots of love and attention, and have a wonderful holiday! Thanks to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (environmental needs PDF), Clinician’s Brief (environmental enrichment for cats [PDF] and dogs [PDF]), American Veterinary Medical Association, Indoor Pet Initiative, Companion Animal Psychology, and Psychology Today for some of the ideas in this article. Photo by oliverromero Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  The winter holiday season brings some potential hazards for pets. Here are some tips to keep them safe over the holidays.
Decorations Tinsel: Cats like shiny tinsel—and they like to put it in their mouths. Swallowed tinsel can cause dangerous intestinal blockages, so keep tinsel off the tree if you have cats. Other ornaments: Broken ornaments can injure paws. Any swallowed ornament can block the digestive tract. Hang ornaments made from salt dough (or anything else that’s attractive to your pets) out of their reach. Christmas trees: Cats can tip over Christmas trees by climbing them. Consider anchoring your tree to the ceiling or a door frame, possibly with fishing line. If you have a live tree, don’t use water additives. These can harm pets who drink the water. Snow globes and bubble lights: The liquid inside these decorations can be toxic to pets. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, some snow globes contain ethylene glycol (antifreeze), which is extremely dangerous if it’s swallowed. Old-fashioned bubble lights may contain methylene chloride, which is also toxic to pets (and children). Liquid potpourri: Scented oils can cause mouth and digestive tract ulcers, skin irritation, and nausea. Cats are more sensitive than dogs to the toxic effects. Lighting: Don’t leave pets alone in a room with lit candles, and be sure burning candles are out of reach of wagging tails. Keep electrical cords and batteries away from curious or fast-moving pets. Plants: Lilies are highly toxic to cats. Holly, mistletoe, and amaryllis flowers and leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Amaryllis bulbs and large quantities of mistletoe can cause more serious problems. Poinsettias are only mildly toxic, usually causing mild stomach upset. Christmas cactus is not considered toxic, although ingestion can cause mild vomiting and diarrhea. Christmas tree needles can irritate the digestive tract. Pets that ingest needles or water from Christmas trees may develop vomiting and diarrhea. Food and Alcohol Ask guests not to give your pets human food as treats. Don’t leave alcoholic beverages where pets can reach them, and clear food from the table before you let pets into the room. Cover your kitchen garbage can or take out the trash before your pets have a chance to investigate it. Chocolate, alcohol, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, sugarless candy, onions, bones, and fatty food (including gravy and turkey skin) are some of the foods that are hazardous to pets. See the November post about human foods that are toxic to pets for a more complete discussion. Visitors Give your pets a quiet place indoors (a crate or quiet room) to get away from the hubbub of holiday parties. If retreating to a familiar safe zone is not enough to manage a pet’s anxiety, call us for other options. When visitors are entering and leaving your home, keep an eye on your pets to be sure they don’t escape. Be sure each pet has an identification collar, a microchip, or both. If guests will be bringing pets that yours have not already met, either keep the 2 sets of pets separated or introduce them slowly and watch them closely while they’re together. Travel If your pets are traveling with you out of state or out of the country, familiarize yourself with animal travel regulations. Schedule an appointment for a health certificate examination if needed. Pack a copy of their medical records (such as vaccination history) and all of their medications, including monthly heartworm and flea preventives if they will fall due while you’re traveling. Locate a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic near your destination. If you are traveling by air, contact the airline in advance in case they have additional requirements. Tranquilizers are not recommended for pets traveling by air. Noise New Year’s Eve fireworks are challenging for pets who are fearful of loud noises. For pets who take antianxiety medication for noise phobia, check your supply and arrange for a refill if needed. See the post about noise phobia for more information. Photo by Spiritze Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Halloween is just a few days away! It’s a fun holiday, but it can be stressful and even dangerous for some pets. Here are 8 tips to keep your pets safe during the holiday. 1. Keep your pets away from candy! Be sure the candy bowl is out of their reach, and confine them to another part of the house while your children are diving into their treat bags. If your pet eats candy, call a veterinarian right away. These are some of the treats that are hazardous to pets:
2. Watch for other things your pets might swallow, like lollipop sticks and candy wrappers. 3. Bring your cats indoors. 4. Keep your pets in a quiet room away from the front door. If they react to doorbells, consider using one of the tactics that families with sleeping babies in my neighborhood use:
5. Keep glow sticks and glow bracelets away from your pets. These are usually not toxic, but the liquid inside tastes terrible and can cause drooling and pawing at the mouth. 6. If you dress your pet in a costume, be sure the costume doesn’t block its vision, breathing, hearing, or movement. Watch for small parts or loose ends that your pet might swallow. Don't leave a pet in a costume unattended. 7. Keep your pets away from electrical cords and lit candles. 8. Be sure your pets are wearing collars with identification tags or have microchips in case they escape from the house while the door is open. Giving your pets a quiet place indoors to get away from the activity—and away from the candy—is usually the best way to keep them calm and safe during holidays. Happy Halloween! |
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The contents of this blog are for information only and should not substitute for advice from a veterinarian who has examined the animal. All blog content is copyrighted by Mallard Creek Animal Hospital and may not be copied, reproduced, transmitted, or distributed without permission.
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