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This article was originally published in December 2015.
To help keep Maine pet owners from experiencing extra stress this holiday season, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry recently issued a press release with a number of helpful pet safety tips.
You may be surprised at some of the typical holiday items and foods that can be dangerous to pets.
For example, did you know you shouldn’t feed your pet turkey or turkey skin? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, even small amounts can cause a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis in your pet.
“Healthy pets make happy owners, and we want all Mainers and their pets to have a positive experience this holiday season,” said Dr. Michelle Walsh, Maine State Veterinarian. stated in a press release. “A little forethought can go a long way toward avoiding stressful, costly, and potentially fatal veterinary visits.” According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and others. The organization offers tips on how to make sure your pet has a safe vacation.”
I’ve written about this before. In fact, I wrote about this in detail on my blog.Holiday foods and decorations that can be harmful to dogs”
The main “human foods” that can harm your pet during the holidays are:
— chocolate. PetMD Online Chocolate Toxicity Metercalculates toxicity based on chocolate type, amount consumed, and pet size.
— Other sweets and baked goods. These foods are often too much for pets. Additionally, artificial sweeteners, commonly found in baked goods, candy, and chewing gum, have been linked to liver failure and death in dogs. It’s “xylitol”.
— onions, raisins, grapes It is toxic to pets. Just a few raisins can be life-threatening to small dogs.
— Greasy table scraps. Gravy and meat fats are difficult for animals to digest and can cause pancreatitis.
If you think your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 1-888-426-4435. Signs of distress in your pet include sudden changes in behavior such as becoming lethargic or manic, pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While many pet emergencies are caused by human food, holiday decorations are also causing problems. Many pets are curious by nature and when something new appears in their environment, such as a Christmas tree, they have to check it out.
Here are some safety tips for decorating. Provided by: American Veterinary Medical Association:
— Christmas tree If your pet climbs on it or plays with the lights or decorations, it may fall over. Consider using fishing line to secure the tree by tying it to the ceiling or door frame.
— ornaments. Broken ornaments can cause injury, and ingesting ornaments can cause intestinal obstruction and even toxicity. Keep homemade ornaments, especially those made from salt dough and other food-based materials, out of reach of pets.
— tinsel, taffeta, ribbon Other holiday decorations and packaging can be tempting for your pet to eat. Ingesting these can cause intestinal blockage, which may require surgery.
— flowers and festive plants If your pet gets them, you may need to seek emergency veterinary attention. Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are common holiday plants that can be dangerous and poisonous if your pet tries to eat them. Poinsettias are also troublesome. What the ASPCA offers List of plants poisonous to dogs and cats.
— candle. Do not leave your pet alone in areas where candles are lit. It may cause a fire.
— potpourri Please keep out of reach of pets. Liquid potpourri is dangerous because it contains essential oils and cationic detergents that can cause serious damage to your pet’s mouth, eyes, and skin. Solid potpourri can cause problems if eaten.
It’s also important to keep in mind that during the holidays, your pet may not be used to having too many visitors. According to the ASPCA, all pets should have access to a comfortable and quiet area if they want to stay away from crowds. And when guests come and go, they need to be careful about the exits. It would be a shame if your pet jumped out the front door and got lost while you were on vacation. As a precaution, make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag before the party begins.
It’s also a consideration to let guests know in advance that you have pets or that other guests may be bringing pets into your home. Some people are afraid of certain pets, while others are allergic to them.
Finally, if you’re heading out for a holiday gathering rather than hosting one, be sure to unplug your decorations before leaving the house. Also, take your trash home with you, especially if it contains food scraps.
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