Merry Mayhem?
It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for your dog or cat, not so much.
With the holiday season in full swing, Butler County homes will be filled with foods that are poisonous to pets and out-of-town guests that can throw animals out of their routines.
Chocolate, tinsel and poinsettias are holiday staples, but Dr. Hisham Ibrahim, the owner of the Good Shepherd Veterinary Hospital, 101 Fox Trot Drive, Adams Township, urges pet owners to keep festive foods and decorations away from their pets.
“You shouldn't give your pet ham, nuts, raisins, chocolate or turkey skin or bones,” said Ibrahim.
“Dogs and cats have been eating processed foods and there's a lot of fat in holiday foods. They are not used to it,” he said.
“People at the table giving food to dogs, they think it's cute. The dog is wagging its tail,” said Ibrahim. But the aftermath could include vomiting and diarrhea and that's the good outcome.
Dogs and cats can get pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas and gastroenteritis, a condition in which the animal's stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed.
The holiday decorations themselves can pose a danger, starting with the Christmas tree, said Nancy Kieffer, director of training for the nonprofit Butler Dog Training Association.
“The water around the tree, change it every day,” she said to avoid causing dogs and cats who may drink it gastrointestinal problems.
Ibrahim said, “We have to be very careful with tree water. Fungi in the water could cause major illnesses.”
“People put additives in the water. That can be dangerous to dogs and cats,” said Kieffer.“Poinsettias can be the cause of inflammation of the oral cavity and throat if eaten.” Ibrahim said. “Various holly plants are toxic to dogs and cats.”Christmas tree pine needles can produce oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling and posterior weakness.Mistletoe, another Christmas plant, can cause significant vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations and death when ingested.In addition, tinsel, string and ribbon can put animals in a lot of pain if they're eaten, said Ibrahim. “I've removed multiple Christmas ornaments from cats. Cats like to jump in trees.”Kieffer added “Young dogs like to chew wires and older ornaments can break leaving glass shards.”All the guests and holiday parties can create a lot of garbage, which needs to be kept away from dogs.Most dogs will try to get into the garbage and see what “leftovers” they can find and scarf down. Spoiled, moldy food can make them sick. Bones from the holiday turkey can splinter and cause serious internal damage. Secure the garbage immediately to prevent gastric upset or worse.All too often, the holiday round of eating, socializing, partying, car trips and kennel stays can be traumatizing to dogs and cats, said Kieffer.“We all like routines,” she said. “With dogs and cats with a disruption, we can see a regression in obedience.”“They can get a little too excited,” she said. “Dogs can become tired and stressed with a lot of visitors in the house. “Sometimes they need some alone time. Put them in a bedroom, give them their favorite toys.”“A dog living with a couple or a family and then suddenly in comes the mother-in-law, brothers and sisters, strangers,” said Ibrahim. “This causes emotional stress. ”Kieffer said, “There's so much going on, we don't realize we have to give them a lot of guidance.
“Routine is very important. All dogs should be on a schedule. It gives them a sense of security and confidence,” said Kieffer.During the holidays, Kieffer said, “Keep your dog on his routine as much as possible. It's a great time to get out and give them some exercise. Go play with your dog, go walk the dog outside.”“It's just common sense,” she said. “I have a little dog that can be reactive and when people come over I have her on a leash and make sure I have treats for her,” she said.Kieffer said pet owners need to remember their animals' needs and not be afraid to ask their guests to help ease the cat's or dog's stress by leaving it alone on occasion or not letting children chase it.And once Christmas has passed, the national American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the dangers aren't over yet.The ASPCA says as pet owners count down to the New Year, keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery.Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
