List of Holiday Pet Hazards

goodbehaviordogtraining — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:08:51 +0000

This list of potential dangers around the house at holiday time. Keeping our homes safe for our pets is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail, knowledge of potential hazards and common sense. However, even though this list contains the most common hazards around the home that your pet is likely to get into during holidays it is not a complete list.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please don’t wait to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) as time is of the utmost importance in an emergency.

Food

Meat-soaked string— can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems, or get tangled in the intestines; string is more enticing to pets when covered with meat or grease
Poultry bones— fragile and can splinter in the throat and intestinal tract
Gravy— high fat content can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis; often contains high levels of onion and garlic
Garlic/onions/chives/leeks— can cause a fatal anemia
Grapes/raisins— contain an unknown toxin that can damage the kidneys
Macadamia nuts— contain an unknown toxin that can damage the digestive system
Uncooked yeast— can expand in the stomach, causing gastric problems and possible rupture
Chocolate— contains theobromine, which affects the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems
Coffee/caffeine— contains xanthenes which can cause problems in the nervous, urinary, and cardiovascular systems
Xylitol— a newer sweetener found in many products; can be fatally toxic
Alcohol — even small amounts can cause intoxication and possibly death
Tobacco/nicotine— can cause serious digestive, cardiovascular and neurological effects
Garbage cans— may contain any or all of the above products

Plants (all can cause stomach upset and/or diarrhea)

Holly
Mistletoe
Poinsettias
Christmas cactus
Evergreen needles Decorations and Wrapping

Ribbon/Yarn/String— can be ingested and cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine
Potpourri— dangerous oils
Candles— burning/fire hazard
Fireplace— shooting sparks and intense heat
Tinsel— choking and possible intestinal obstruction
Low-hanging ornaments— fragile ornaments can tear the esophagus and intestine if ingested
Christmas lights and electrical cords— strangulation and electrocution hazard
Food on the tree (popcorn, candy canes, gingerbread people)— varying degrees of indigestion, diarrhea, and other digestive problems

Gifts under the tree (or in any area accessible to pets)

Batteries— filled with harmful acids
Perfume/Aftershave/Cologne/Essential Oils— toxic to animals
Ribbons and bows— can cause choking and bunching or obstruction of the intestines

The Tree

Artificial snow— mildly toxic but larger amounts can cause intestinal blockage
Ornaments— deep lacerations can occur from playing with ornaments; ornaments may be made of toxic materials
Tree Water— sap, insecticides, flame retardants, and fertilizers can seep into the water; bacteria can form over time keep animals away and cover with a tree skirt.

Again: This list focuses on a fraction of potential holiday hazards. This List is not inclusive of ALL potential holiday hazards or other potential non-holiday hazards. For more information, you may wish to visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Happy Holiday’s from

Good Behavior Dog Training

www.goodbehaviordogtraining.com

Pet Safety This Holiday Season

goodbehaviordogtraining — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 01:38:09 +0000

Pet Safety This Holiday Season

From Good Behavior Dog Training

The most joyous time of the year for most humans can also be the most Dangerous time of the year for our pets. Good Behavior Dog Training in Tampa would like to help you keep your pets safe this Holiday Season.

First let’s start with the dangers of holiday decorations…. Though pretty to look at, can be a danger to your dog or cat. A lot of holiday decorations are run on electricity and if chewed can electrocute your pet .Even if your pet doesn’t normally chew on existing power cords in your home, the new smells may peek the curiosity of your pet and attract them to these dangers. Year after year too many pets have been reported being killed after chewing on electrical cords. House fires have also been reported and homes burned down because of electrical fires having been started after a pet had chewed on an electrical cord. Let’s not forget about the ornaments being a choking or an obstruction hazard. Also tinsel is not only poisonous to pets but can cut the lining of the intestinal tract.

Now to the wonderful food of the season…. Turkey, Ham Casseroles and the delectable deserts!!!! Good for us,(well sort of ) but not so much for our pets. These rich foods will most likely not agree with their tummies. We don’t want to cause any pancreas, kidney issues or worse, feed something poisonous to our beloved pets. Some foods such as Chocolates, Grapes, Raisins among several others contain chemicals that are potentially deadly to our pets. So avoid feeding your pets from the table and tell your guests to do the same. (*Note * Keep garbage cans safely away from your pets reach, as some of the foods and hazards can be found in an irresistible garbage can..)

Keeping an eye on your pets when guests come over is another topic we would like to cover. Having many new people in a normally quiet house can be very stressful for your pets. It is possible for them to slip outside and be hit by a car or lost. Make sure your pet has a microchip so if they do get out and lost they can return home. Extra care needs to be taken around children. Some kids have not been around many animals and may not know how to properly interact with them, which will be stressful for your pet and they may act out of character. Your normally sweet dog or cat may suddenly be not so sweet if children play to rough, pull ears, tail or hair and may scratch or nip at the child in self defense. Many pets won’t be as tolerant of children as they are with adults and, abnormal behavior as seen by the eyes of our pets may cause aversive behavior from your pet such as biting or scratching.

Last but not least…. If any of your friends bring their dog, your pets may not be enthusiastic about the idea. Best thing if the dogs are not socialized to other dogs or cats (or other pets) it would be better to keep them separate and rotate free time. Your pets and theirs may not be happy with that arrangement, but it is better than a dog fight or other ER visit. Even if all animals are socialized keep a close eye, as your pets view it as their space and things can get out of hand quickly if your pet(s) think the other dog acts rude or invades your pets space and belongings.

In closing, let’s make sure we take a little extra time to ensure our pets safety so it will be a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!!!!!

Happy Holiday’s from

Good Behavior Dog Training