TA LE S F ROM THE SHELTE R
by Charlotte Kovalchuk with contribution from April Peiffer, Wilco Animal Shelter
Keep your Pets Safe During the Holidays
H
olidays are a time for cheerful gatherings of families, and of course, that includes the furry ones too! To help ensure those furry friends stay safe and healthy in the midst of all the feasts and celebrations, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
FOOD While you and your family are enjoying all the turkey and pumpkin pie, it can be tempting to let your pet join the feasting by giving them table scraps. “Please don’t do that,” Jarrell Animal Hospital's Dr. Nathan Carlton says. “Pancreatitis is very common and it happens to both cats and dogs. It usually comes from a large fatty meal or a meal with lots of calories.” He also warns against giving pets bones, as they can become lodged in the esophagus or cut the intestines. Chocolate and food with xylitol can be lethal, even in small amounts, so keep human food out of reach. Alcohol can also cause your pet to become very ill, from gastrointestinal upset to coma and respiratory failure.
PLANTS Holly and mistletoe can cause vomiting and diarrhea; mistletoe can also cause cardiovascular issues in an animal. Poinsettias are toxic to cats.
DECORATIONS Small decorations and tinsel can be swallowed, as they are hard to resist to playful dogs and cats. This could lead to an obstruction and, if not caught in time, could result in an expensive surgery and even death. Glass ornaments can break and cut your pet’s
20
N O V E M B E R 2021 M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY
mouth or esophagus. Like any time of the year, keep electrical cords and batteries out of reach, as they can cause electrical shock or burns to the mouth and can be harmful if ingested.
CHRISTMAS TREE Anchor your Christmas tree properly so it doesn’t fall over onto your pet or while your pet is in the tree. If you will be choosing a live tree, be sure to change the water in the base frequently to keep the bacteria that breeds in stagnant water from growing. This bacteria can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Also be careful about using fertilizers or additives in the water that may be toxic to your pet.
VISITORS If your pet is on the shy or fearful side, be cautious when introducing them to new people. They may become overwhelmed. You can give them a room of their own or have them in their crate. Make sure overnight guests do not have medicine within reach of your pet. If you have visitors in and out of your house, make sure your pets do not have access to the frequently used door. Try to keep your pet’s routine as close to normal as possible to reduce anxiety.
GIFT OF FAMILY All this being said, the holidays are a wonderful time to bring home a new adopted dog or cat. What greater present for a shelter animal than a family? Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is here to help make that happen. Go to wilcopets.org to see all of our adoptable dogs and cats!
