December 03, 2009

Arizona Humane Society offers do’s and don’ts for pets during seasonal festivities

(PHOENIX) – With the arrival of the holiday season, the Arizona Humane Society reminds pet owners to be aware of the seasonal hazards for pets. Decorations, festive plants and even the delicious dinner can be dangerous to pets. As the holidays approach, pet parents need to take precautions to ensure their pets’ safety.

 

• Decorations
  Tinsel, hooks, wrapping paper, garland and other festive decorations can be extremely dangerous for curious cats and dogs. If ingested, these items can cause your pet to choke or maybe even cause internal injuries and digestive problems. Also glass ornaments, if broken, can become embedded in a pet’s paw, throat or stomach, so use extreme caution with these types of decorations. If your family decorates a Christmas tree, avoid placing decorations on low branches in reach of animals. And to really be safe use plastic ornaments instead of glass.
• Electrical Cords
  Electric cords used to string lights can be especially dangerous for your pet. What looks like an unusual piece of ribbon to a cat or dog can have a shocking surprise. To be sure that these dangerous cords are out of paw’s reach, tape the electrical cords down or conceal them… a 100-volt charge could be fatal.
• Plants
  Many of the season’s most popular plants, including mistletoe, holly, Christmas rose, poinsettias and ornamental pepper, are poisonous to pets. The chemicals diluted in water and used to preserve fresh flowers and Christmas trees are also hazardous to your pets if they drink from the vase or tree stand. Keep plants, trees and flowers away from your pets. Instead, select faux or non-toxic varieties, and place them out of paw’s reach. Never let your pet drink from the Christmas tree water!
• Food and Drink
  It is imperative that you never give your animal alcohol beverages. Many pets will get their noses into unattended alcoholic beverages that are left on low tables. If a pet consumes alcohol, he can become seriously ill and could even die from just a few ounces. Chocolate is also toxic and very dangerous for your pets, so keep any snacks and candy up on high table-tops. Although it may be tempting, don’t share your holiday dinner with your pet. The high fat content will make it hard for your pet to digest the food. In some cases, pets will develop swelling of the pancreas which, if left untreated, can be fatal. If you notice any behavior changes or signs of illness take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Pet Holiday Stress

With the holiday hustle and bustle, pets can sometime suffer from anxiety because of the change in their schedule. To prevent your pet from becoming confused during the holiday season, keep these tips in mind:

• Maintain your routine. Don’t forget about snuggle time, walks and playtime with your pet.
• Stick to the usual feeding schedule and keep your pet on the same diet.
• Introduce your pet to guests slowly to help them get acquainted.
• If your pet feels uncomfortable with all the hustle and bustle then confine your pet to a safe room in your home with toys, pet beds, treats and a T-shirt that smells like you to help him relax.

 

About Arizona Humane Society Founded in 1957, the Arizona Humane Society is the state’s largest nonprofit animal welfare and protection agency. The mission of AHS is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society.

Contacts
Kimberly Searles, Communication Manager
Kelsea Vescova, Director of Marketing and Development