The St Augustine Humane Society is scheduled to reopen in November. They are in the process of renovating their facility. Initially they will emphasize low cost spay neuter services, pet training, humane education, and support for local rescue groups. Details of their current fund raiser can be found at www.giveahelpingpaw.com. More information about the Humane Society’s efforts, and contact information can be found on their Facebook page.
In Florida, winter weather risks aren’t as commonplace as in the colder parts of our nation, but holiday risks tend to be very similar. Common things to watch out for during the holiday season are often related to eating different foods, ingestion objects not meant to be eaten, poisonings, electrical cords, candles, and children’s toys.
Feeding problems occur when pets eat foods that they are not accustomed to. Novel foods may trigger stomach or intestinal upset. In the most severe cases, a life threatening inflammation of the intestines or pancreas can occur. Holiday “treats” to avoid include garlic, onions, nuts, raisins, grapes, coffee and dough, high fat foods such as poultry skin or gravies, rich food such as cheeses, sauces, or desserts, and highly spiced foods. Remove leftovers from the table, and don’t leave garbage where pets can reach it. Chocolate, alcohol, and sweets containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener used in baked goods, candy, and chewing gum) are toxic to pets. Baking chocolate poses greater risk than milk chocolate. Safe treats for the holiday season are the same as throughout the year, such as a hard biscuit type treat, or small portions of cooked vegetables, such as carrots or green beans.
Foreign body ingestion (eating a non digestible item) happens increasingly around the holidays. Common hazards include meat bones and holiday decorations. Bones are a choking hazard and can block the intestinal tract. Raw and cooked bones tend to splinter sending shards through the animal’s intestines, and can potentially penetrate the intestinal wall. Both obstruction and perforation of the intestinal wall can lead to peritonitis and may be life threatening. So no matter how tempting, save the bones for the soup!
Tinsel can become a life threatening obstruction in the intestinal tract when it is ingested. Cats are commonly drawn to tinsel and similar string items such as ribbon yarn and other gift wrapping items. Keep wrapped gifts in an out of the way place until the holiday arrives, minimizing the time pets have to let their curiosity get the best of them.
Ornaments or ornament hooks can be deadly too, in the mouth and intestines of pets. Plastic or wood ornaments are safer for pets than glass. Avoid placing the ornaments and light strings on lower branches where they can be easily reached. Exposed extension cords are tempting for puppies and kittens to chew on, and can cause life threatening electrocution. Try to place the tree near an outlet to minimize the length of cord necessary. Secure the cord higher than pets can reach or cover with protective material. Cats are also known to sustain injuries when climbing Christmas trees, so anchor the tree to prevent toppling. Putting the Christmas tree in a room with a door that can be closed is the easiest way to avoid these risks.
Holiday plants may be intriguing to your pet, they may also be toxic. The poinsettia, mistletoe, chrysanthemum, amaryllis bulbs, holly, cedar, balsam, and pine all have toxic properties. The sap from a live Christmas tree, or preservatives added to the water of a live tree can lead to stomach upset if ingested. Potpourri is also toxic to your pets. The best advice is to keep all plants out of reach of your pets.
With a single swish, a lit candle or exposed flame can lead to a singed tail, or even a household fire. Do not leave pets in near exposed flames.
Finally, avoid the temptation to give a pet as a holiday gift. Rarely does a gifted pet meet the expectations of the prospective owner. With the added stress and business of the holiday season, successful incorporation of a new pet into the household is especially difficult.