To Be or Not To Be…A Prepared Pet Parent 

A veracious spirit is required to be devoted pet parents.  Preparedness is vital in keeping our furry kids safe during holidays. 

Holidays equal good food, house guests and decorations.  Most cats and dogs thrive on excitement, but can be accidently ignored or overfed.  It’s pertinent to keep pet safety in mind, though seasonal planning rarely involves the family pet. However, furry kids will eat anything that hits the floor.  House guests need to know what food and treats are acceptable for your pets. 

Most holiday food, not to mention everyday human food, is too rich for pets.  Pets should avoid turkey fat, spices, grapes/raisins/cranberries, nuts, onions, cooked meat bones, and above all else, alcohol.  Digestive obstruction can cause dehydration and unhappy endings to happy days. 

Wrapping supplies and decorations retain your scent, so your pet may think it is ok to chew it or eat it. Twinkling tinsel or sparkly garland dazzle cats or dogs, but they can choke on plastic, candy wrappers or packing peanuts. 

Poison comes in deceptive packages. Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Christmas tree needles and tree hydration water are all toxic and hazardous. If you must have these items, put them out of your pet’s reach and cover the tree water, so they can not drink it. 

Most chocolate products, though they have fillers, are toxic for pets.  Rich, dark chocolate like truffles, Baker’s chocolate and chocolate chips are often poisonous.   

Candles flicker and tree ornaments look like toys which can attract playful pets.  Electrical cords should be secured for everyone’s safety.  If pets experience electrocution or shock, they may not show signs for hours.  Animals have a higher tolerance for pain than we do and may be unaware they are injured.  If this occurs, call your vet, keep them warm and transport.  This can be life-threatening for them. 

Enhance your veracious pet parent spirit and consider taking Dog and/or Cat First Aid Classes at these locations:

American Red Cross

Dog and Cat First Aid Classes

775.626.0982

rewcrew@charter.net