from
the American Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
ATTENTION,
PET OWNERS!
DECK THE HALLS - BUT DO IT SAFELY, PLEASE
For many of us, 'tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery.
But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be
hazardous to your pet's health?
Lovely lilies are commonly used
in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties - including
Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casa Blanca -
can cause kidney failure in cats.
Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday decor,
but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if
ingested by your pet. And should he eat mistletoe, he could suffer
gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt instead
for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water
is a breeding ground for bacteria - and your pet could end up
with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
If you suspect that
your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance,
call your veterinarian.
Just
because animals have built in fur coats doesn’t mean they are immune to
the harsh realities of a Canadian winter. With a bit of thoughtful
planning, your best friend will be warm and safe when the snowflakes
fly.
Here are some tips for animal care in cold weather…
Limit exposure: When the mercury plunges, exercise caution and limit your pet’s exposure to the outdoors.
Salt:
While the salt used on roads and driveways is helpful in preventing
spills, it can irritate the sensitive pads on the bottom of your pet’s
feet. Keep a towel by your front door and wipe down your pooch’s paws
after a walk so they aren’t tempted to lick them clean.
Fresh water:
If you keep any water bowls outside for your animals during the winter,
be sure to check the supply a few times a day to ensure it isn’t frozen
over.
Car engines: Cats and wildlife are
drawn to the heat generated by your car’s engine on cold days. Make
sure you bang on your car’s hood and honk the horn to avoid injuring a
sleeping creature.
Antifreeze: The taste of
antifreeze is tasty to many animals, and they’ll readily consume it if
given the chance. But even a small amount of antifreeze can be harmful,
or even fatal, to your pet.
When adding antifreeze to your
vehicle, pour carefully and clean up any spills that may occur. It’s
also a good idea to check that your car isn’t leaking fluid. A quick
look under the hood will help keep your own animals, and those in the
neighbourhood, safe.
If your pet does come in contact with
antifreeze — either by ingesting it directly, or by licking exposed
paws — you should be looking for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weakness,
unconsciousness, drooling and panting. If you suspect antifreeze
ingestion, it’s important to act quickly, as the poisoning can cause
kidney failure. Call your veterinarian immediately to avoid
complications.
You may want to consider a less toxic
alternative to the ethylene glycol-based antifreeze that is most
commonly used. There is new propylene glycol-based antifreeze available
at many retail outlets that is safer for pets and humans alike.
Entertain wisely:
The winter season is a peak time for at-home parties and other
get-togethers. It may be a good idea to keep animals away from the
bustle and noise during a party. If everyone does mingle together, keep
an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t sneak any of the festive
food and drink.
Identification: Having an
animal run away from home at any time of the year is troublesome, but
especially during the winter season. Make sure your best friends are
equipped with proper identification, including a collar, tag and
microchip to ensure they have the best possible chance of finding their
way back to you.
Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties - including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casa Blanca - can cause kidney failure in cats.
