Hello Lovelies!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and didn’t overstuff yourself while unstuffing your wallet!

Now that we are in the throws of the holiday season, I wanted to send you some valuable information in regards to your pet’s safety during the festivities.

We want our pets to be safe, healthy and happy, right? The change of the seasons brings items out that they aren’t used to and will be curious about – because – they are curious creatures. Sometimes, they just can’t help themselves.

**That new food smells soooooo good.

**There are new and exciting shiny objects to explore

**An indoor tree??? Just for me? I can’t wait to play with it!

Do you know any stories like this? If you’re a pet parent of course you do… haven’t we all have a funny holiday pet story to share?

A little extra attention and redirection can work wonders to create a safe and happy environment for the whole family throughout the holiday season.

When decorating and celebrating – keep an eye on your pets so they don’t get into any of the following:

FOODS TO AVOID:
1. Walnuts and macadamia nuts – can cause lethargy, inability to walk, vomiting
2. Chocolate – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures or death
3. Grapes/Raisins – can cause lethargy, vomiting
4. Onions – can cause lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting
5. Hard candies – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or death
6. Bones* – can cause stomach perforation or constipation
7. Alcohol – can cause vomiting, disorientation, seizures, coma, tremors
8. Artificial Sweeteners – can cause vomiting, lethargy, liver failure

FOODS TO ENJOY:
Your pets can enjoy some of these holiday foods:
blueberries, honeydew melon*, cantaloupe*, watermelon*, beef, chicken, turkey, oats, peas, pumpkin*, sweet potato (peeled), squash*, plain yogurt, cheese, broth, broccoli, bananas, eggs. *NO SEEDS!

DECORATION DANGERS:
1. Tinsel – can cause intestinal obstruction

2. Glass ornaments – can cut up digestive tract if swallowed or cut paws

3. Electrical Cords – can cause shock, seizures, cardiac arrest or fire hazard

4. Candles – potential fire hazard to pet and to home or burns

5. Holiday poinsettias, holly, mistletoe – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia

6. Ribbons/bows – can cause intestinal obstruction

7. Decorative popcorn – if sprayed with protective coating – chemicals could be harmful to your pets.

8. Beads/beaded fabrics/ornaments – can cause intestinal obstruction.

*some bones are ok for your dog – raw frozen marrow bones bought from a reputable brand are good for gnawing, nutrition and teeth cleaning. Bones that come in canned dinners are also safely prepared.

By keeping an eye on your sweet fur babies – and being a little extra careful with the new delights and sparkly things – you and your pets can have a wonderful holiday season together!

Have questions or comments or a funny pet holiday story to share? I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time-

 

To your thriving life, health and happiness!

Blair