Pet Care During the Holidays

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Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangers.

O Christmas Tree........

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town...........................

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible such as Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.

• Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Holly Jolly Plants be Poisonous

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Oh Bring us Some Figgy Pudding.......

Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as chicken bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.

Chocolate............................................

Most people understand that chocolate is toxic to pets. Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin theobromine than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate can be dangerous in higher amounts. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyper-excitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea and death. Inducing vomiting to empty the stomach is the first step in treatment but if the toxin has been absorbed your pet will likely need to be hospitalized for further treatment.

That Holiday Glow.......................

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Christmas Cheer............................

Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds (of all sorts) zipped up and packed away, too.

If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

Silent Night................... Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Bottom Line ~

While the holidays are a time for celebrating, we need to remember that what is fun and (mostly) safe for us ~ could cause harm to the furriest member of the family. Take some extra care to make sure all of your “babies” have a safe and happy holiday too!

Want to keep everyone you love is safe?

Brew City Insurance is a great place to start.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review.

We will make sure you and all your family are safe this holiday season.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located 2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee

between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you! Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone.

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Visit our web page to find out more! http://www.brewcityinsurance.com

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