Holiday Fun and Danger

Meadow showing her "feral" ear

We are, of course, joining The Cat on My Head in a blog hop.

This week is the gateway to much eating (gorging) and frivolity (alcohol). That means it’s a good time to remind everyone how to keep your pets safe and healthy during this season.

First remember that to your pet all the fun and activity is a change in their environment and could stress them out. When having friends or family over, try to confine your pet in a room away from the noise. Provide him with familiar blankets and toys to make him feel more comfortable. Another reason to keep him confined is to prevent accidental escapes. Your pet may become frightened and/or excited and slip out the door. Before you know it he’s out and roaming the neighborhood.

Second, don’t share human food with your pets. While some foods may seem to be okay to share, they may contain spices or other ingredients that are not. Pets may normally like plain pumpkin puree but pumpkin pie contains spices that might upset your pet’s digestive system. Likewise with meat that is treated with spices, alcohol, etc. just leave your pet out of meals. Provide him with small amounts of pet treats instead.

Also think about your decorations. Tinsel can rip intestines to shreds or become balled up causing blockages. Spray snow on the windows can be toxic if swallowed. If glass ornaments are knocked to the floor (maybe by playful paws) they may break causing damage to innocent paws, or be ingested. If you use a real tree the water can be toxic to pets. Find someway to block their access to the water. Candles, when lit, are a fire hazard and can easily be knocked over by pets or set fire to passing tails.

This is by no means a complete list of hazards. While making plans for your festivities remember to include plans for your pets’ safety. Think about everything you do and what effects it might have on your pet. Let’s have a safe holiday season this year.

Mulberry Spot didn't notice that the sun had moved

On another note, Spotty broke with diarrhea again while on his antibiotic. Since I can’t afford to put him through expensive surgeries or more tests we are treating him with a medication that helps pets with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this finally helps him. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.