New York, New York (ContentDesk) December 20, 2003--During the hectic holiday season, keep your pet happy, healthy and safe with these prevention tips from pet expert Charlotte Reed.1. Do not leave your cat or dog unattended with lighted candles, the Christmas tree or holiday plants. An exuberant tail or swat of the paw can be disastrous if a lit candle is near. At this time of the year, take care because you might find your cat climbing the Christmas trees or your dog drinking the preservative solution at the base of the tree. Also, mistletoe, holly and poinsettias are deadly when ingested.
Pine needles can puncture your pet's intestines. 2. Don't give your pet foods that are not a normal part of their diet. Feeding Hanukkah latkas or Christmas ham to your cat or dog can cause him or her unwanted abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also discourage your guests from indulging your pet with inappropriate snacks.
Foods high in sodium (especially peanuts and chips) and other fatty foods like poultry skin and beef or pork fat can cause an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatis is a potentially life-threatening condition. Chocolate, which contains theobromine and caffeine, can also be harmful to your pooch. Rapid breathing and hyperactivity are signs of a bad reaction to chocolate. 3.
Dispose of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and wrapping paper. Also, don't forget to secure the garbage. It only takes a minute for your little scavenger to get into the garbage and wolf down whatever smells good, including the foils or wraps from holiday foods. Swallowing of such coverings can cause an intestinal obstruction. 4.
Cover or tack down electrical cords and keep sharp or breakable ornaments out of the way. Holiday lights mean more cords for your cat or dog to chew. Make sure cords and ornaments are out of your pet's reach. 5. Maintain your pet's regular schedule for feeding and exercise.
Minimizing stress for your animal means being aware of his daily routine and expectations. Make sure Fifi or Fido doesn't feel neglected or insecure at this busy time of the year. 6. Provide a quite refuge for your animal. With all the holiday fanfare, your pet will need a "time out" from visiting friends and family.
A comfortable crate is one solution or a room with a "Do Not Disturb" sign is another. Give your dog or cat time and space to settle down or take a nap. 7. Never put ribbon or yarn around your dog's neck. Although your creative necklace may look cute, your pet can easily get caught and choke.
Consider buying him or her a holiday motif collar so your pet can easily sport holiday cheer. Charlotte Reed is the founder and director of Two Dogs & A Goat Incorporated, a provider of quality pet care products and services. The company offers a full line of holistic pet food, nutritional supplements and dental care products for cats and dogs. For more information, visit www.charlottereed.com or call 212-213-6979..