Porky and Buddy Pet Health – Holiday Worries For Pet Owner

Dear readers,
Last week, we told you to stop worrying about poinsettia plants being poisonous to people or pets.

But you had to know, we were not going to let you completely off the hook.

With thanks to our friends at the ASPCA, here are the things you should be worrying about this time of year.

We have already talked about the dangers of chocolate.

That you know; but think about what you have under the tree in wrapped presents.

Anything with chocolate?

Not a good idea.

Alcohol?

Not a good idea.

What about dog treats?

Your dog can smell them and has no idea about “waiting for the family unwrapping frenzy.”

If she decides to unwrap them herself one night while you are out, you know she will eat the whole box.

Not toxic, of course, but still unpleasant.

So keep presents with those kinds of tempting smells out of reach until it is time for the frenzy.

And speaking of tempting smells, we know that all of your pets behave perfectly “most” of the time.

Except when there is food left out and in reach.

Admit it.

Pets should be kept away from food preparation areas or places where food will be left out.

Some of the more concerning common food exposures during the holidays are chocolate, (again), raw bread dough, fruitcake and alcohol (again).

Ice melt, homemade play dough and salt-dough ornaments (even when dry) can all be a tempting salty treat for pets, but can cause life-threatening imbalances in the electrolytes.

Keep them out of reach, too.

Snow globes are another potential problem.

Some contain ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance to all pets.

If a snow globe is broken, the sweet smell can attract a pet to lick it up, leading to a potentially fatal intoxication.

Snow globes should be kept out of reach of pets.

Human medication is another problem.

When you have visitors during the holiday season who bring medications with them, you have to encourage them to be mindful of the dangers, especially if they are not used to having pet around, snooping in suitcases and on counters.

Exposure to medications can be prevented with a little advance planning.

Ask your visitors to put their medication in a closed cabinet that is not accessible to pets.

Be sure that when they take their medications that they do so behind a closed door, such as the bathroom, so that a dropped pill can be found before the pet has a chance to snatch it up.

As always, if you think your pet may have ingested any of these substances, call your vet right away.

Speaking of pets to fuss over, you can meet some of our pets up for adoption at the Home 4 the Holidays Adoption Celebration on December 16 and 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at our office at 29 W. Seneca St., Oswego.

You can tour our office, check out our giving tree for ideas about how to help animals, have some holiday refreshments and meet your new best friend!

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.

Located at 29 W. Seneca St., Oswego, NY.

Phone: 315-207-1070.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.oswegohumane.org

Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.

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