The holidays are always a wonderful time of the year to celebrate with family and friends. As exciting as this is for us, it can be very stressful for our four legged friends. There are many things that we take for granted during this holiday season. They include lighting holiday candles, decorating the tree and even preparing large family feasts. All of these things can impact our pets. A visit to an animal emergency clinic is stressful, especially at 2:00 am on Christmas Day.

Whether we have cats and/or dogs, there are many things that we can do to ensure that they are safe during the holiday season. The most common problems arise when our pets eat things that are harmful to them. From tinsel to missile toe, turkey to electrical lighting, we need to ensure that unappetizing items are not easily assessable to them. If you have a cat, purchasing a small tree is always a good idea. Avoid using tinsel as cats love to eat it. Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies can cause a plethora of issues in pets. Lilies are the most serious concern as they can cause kidney failure in cats.

As a safeguard, some people will not allow their pets access to the Christmas tree. If your pet does have access, avoid using a lot of glass ornaments and candles. If lights are attached to the tree, it may be an open invitation to your pet to play with the lights or to pull down them down or to chew on the electrical cord. Always ensure that your tree is well secured in its stand. I would recommend having a lot of chew toys available for your pet during the holidays. Dogs, especially large ones, are notorious for getting into trouble. Avoid using ribbon on presents and be cautious with wrapping paper. Having a lot of human treats, left out on lower edged tables, also give your pets an opportunity to taste things that may be harmful to them.

Chocolate is always a major concern. The rule of thumb is: the purer the chocolate (i.e. more cocoa with less sugar) the greater the potential for toxicity to your dog or cat. This risk is magnified, based on the size of your pet and the amount of chocolate consumed. The most common side effects of chocolate consumption include hyperactivity, salivation, vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately so that they may determine if the dose ingested is serious. Finally, be cautious when feeding table scraps to your pet. Quite often, this practice may result in vomiting or diarrhea. Feel free to give your pet a special dog or cat treat when you and your family sit down for your holiday meal. This usually keeps them occupied, and should avoid any major stomach malaises.

To my new readers, I thank you and look forward to writing more on your pets and pet health in the coming season.

Pets and Presents

Gifts for your pets are always fun. They may include comfortable beds, all-weather clothing, specialized booties, and designer collars. Many people also include their pets in the holiday spirit by making a donation, in their pets’ names, to important animal charities. These charities rely on the generosity and kindness of people, especially during this busy time of year.

We wish you all the best for a safe and healthy holiday season.

A Family Feast

Feeding your pet from the table can cause severe stomach upset. Most holiday foods are rich and the result is often diarrhea and vomiting. Here are some quick tips to spoil your four-legged friends without ruining their evening — and yours:

• Always feed low-fat table snacks. Turkey and steak are fine, but avoid rich sauces and gravies.

• Fruits and veggies are great. Avoid foods that have been fried or sautéed in butter. Garlic, onions, grapes and raisins are always a no-no. Avoid nuts as well.

• Provide a good treat for your pet while you eat. Favorite chew toys are a great option.

• Ensure that your pet has been well fed before family and friends come over for holiday visits.

• Remember that exercise is your pet’s best friend. It helps keep your family friend calm and relaxed during the hectic holidays.