We
have a new puppy! This will be his first winter with us. Probably the only
reason I am looking forward to it. I want to keep him safe, while he is having
fun.
Car Safety
Watch
for antifreeze leaks. Its sweet taste attracts dogs and cats, very poisonous,
and the bright green color is a DEAD giveaway. It cleans up easily with soap
and water.
Outdoor
cats looking for warmth frequently sleep on car engines. Banging loudly on the
hood before starting your engine should rouse them.
Leaving
your pet in your car while you shop at the mall is like leaving them in a
refrigerator. The car retains the cold and your pet could suffer from
hypothermia. A great way to gauge the interior temperature of your vehicle is
with a Too Hot For Spotã window cling. It is a
thermometer that tells you if it is too hot OR too cold for your pet. You can
source them at www.toohotforspot.com. On the flip side, you do not want to leave them in the car
with the engine idling. A couple of years back, a Long Island, NY man went into a Cool Beans for a cup of
coffee and left his car running. His dog knocked the gearshift into drive and
proceeded to go for a ride. He ended up IN the business next door. Fortunately,
there were no injuries.
The Great Outdoors
Animals
that spend a lot of time outside need more food. In particular, a higher
protein diet is required.
The
very young and the very old have little tolerance for the cold weather. Provide
them with outerwear for both body and feet.
According
to the ASPCA, more dogs are lost during snowstorms than at any other time. They
can lose their scent, become disoriented and lost. Remember, a well-identified
dog has a greater chance of returning home.
Use
pet safe ice melt. When that is not possible, or you are unsure of what is
being used; wash their feet BEFORE they get a chance to lick them.
Indoors
Insects
will be coming into our homes for the winter. Watch for spider and insect bites
and familiarize yourself with the signs of anaphylactic shock. Insect traps are
baited with something tasty, so keep them out of your pet's reach.
The
Holiday Season is in full swing.
Decorations
The
most common holiday plant is the poinsettia. It is toxic. Keep it out of reach
of your pets. Both Pet Poison Helpline (www.petpoisonhelpline.com) and the ASPCA (www.aspca.org) has a database of toxic plants
and phone apps.
Chewing
on electrical cords can cause cardiac arrest. Tripping on electrical cords can
cause broken body parts and sudden blunt force trauma. (OK, maybe more of an
issue for me.) Dogs chasing after something have been known to be dragging a
Christmas tree behind them after a cord was snagged on a paw.
Glass
ornaments pose a problem for those pets that confuse them with tennis balls.
Garland
and tinsel is a particular problem for cats. Remember; never pull it out of
your cat, as there may be an ornament hook at the other end.
Pine
water is poisonous to pets. Fertilizers and pesticides will leach out into the
water bowl.
Holiday Food and Drinks
Alcoholic
beverages can cause intoxication, coma and death.
Coffee,
tea and other caffeine products contain theobromine. It is toxic and
affects the cardio and nervous systems.
Ham,
fat trimmings and turkey skin can cause pancreatitis.
Cooked
bones can cause intestinal obstruction and lacerations of the digestive system.
Stuffings
may contain sage, onions, mushrooms and raisins.
Too
many sweets can cause obesity and diabetes. Artificial sugars cause a fatal
drop in blood sugar, especially xylitol.
Holiday
snack trays may contain macadamia nuts and grapes.
Chocolate
contains theobromine.
A
list of the most common people foods that cause problems for pets is found at
both Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA’s website.
TIP:
Broccoli can cause digestive upset and VERY gassy pets. You may want to keep
that to a minimum unless you want your guests running for cover. Of course, if your
guests have overstayed their welcome, then broccoli is the way to go.
You
also want to provide your pets with a quiet place during the holiday parties.
Even small gatherings can be stressful for them.
Cold
Injuries
Cold
injuries are caused by extreme or prolonged exposure to low temperatures. The
most common areas affected are the tail, ears, paws and scrotum. A snout to
tail assessment is always a good idea after coming in from the outdoors. Check
for ice and salt in the pads and for any signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
The
skin can become swollen, red and very painful. In later stages, it can become
hard and pale. Additional signs of frostbite and hypothermia include shivering,
slow or shallow breathing, lethargy, decreased heart rate and gums either pale
or bluish in color.
If
you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, you should first make sure the pet is out
of the cold. DO NOT RUB THE AFFECTED AREA. The frozen ice crystals in the skin
can lacerate the skin cells. Contact your vet for rewarming instructions. This
is very important so that you can prevent further pain, stave off infection and
minimize the possible tissue damage.
I hope everyone has a
wonderful and safe holiday season.