Photo of Richard M. Nixon's dogs looking out a White House window via General Services Administration/Wikimedia Commons
Veterinarians at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital has made a list of holiday hazards, some of which are less obvious than others.
Chocolate can be fatal for dogs. During the holidays, be on the lookout for chocolate and any sweets or baked goods containing chocolate. Table scraps, as tempting as may be to call a pet over to finish them under the table, can be dangerous for pets. Clear away scraps of turkey, turkey skin, turkey bones, gravy and meat fat.
Decorations look delectable to most children and many an adult. Be sure your pet isn’t eying items like Christmas trees, electric lights, water additives, ornaments, candles, tinsel, and potpourris. Gift wrappings, sparkly ribbon and glittery bows can cause intestinal blockage. And never leave a pet alone with a lot candle or hot electrical lights.
If your pet isn’t microchipped, the holidays are a good time to consider it – the front door swings open a lot during holiday gatherings. It’s also advisable to create a quiet space for pets who may become overwhelmed by gatherings.
Holiday travel is made worse by holiday stress. That applies to your pet, too. If driving, use a secure harness or a carrier, placed away from airbags. Remember, it’s a bad idea to transport pets in the bed of a truck, or leave them alone in a car. Items to bring along for the pet include: pet food, fresh water, medications, copies of their medical records, their ID tag, veterinarian information, a crate, bed or blanket, and toys.
Another thing to bring on the road is emergency contact information. Bring your primary veterinarian's address and digits, as well as for vet hospitals along the route. The number for the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline; 1-888-426-4435.
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