animalrehabilitation.com Blog

Santa Paws Is Coming To Town

You’d better not bark,

You’d better not bite,

You’d better not scratch
the sofa tonight

Santa Paws is coming to town…
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The holiday season can be a stressful time for your pets too. Here are some tips I compiled from NSALA and Google:
* Make sure that your holiday guests and extended family members are not generous in the “scraps” giving department; too may treats and/or a sudden increase in consumption can lead to illness, stomach upsetedness, vomiting…etc.
* Too many fatty, rich, or “new” foods can lead to pancreatitis or gastroenteritis which can be painful if not life-threatening!
* NO bones. Save them for your delicious soup instead.
* Nightshade type vegetables are dangerous, this we know. Did you know that onions and onion powder can destroy dog or cat red blood cells leading to anemia?
* Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage.
* Aluminum foil, wax paper and other food wrappings can cause intestinal obstruction(s). Make sure to place these items securely in the garbage (that is secured) & not left on the counter!
* Watch his/her behavior and make sure your pet isn’t getting too stressed when house-guests and festivities abound.
* Potentially dangerous holiday items and plants such as: Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Lillies, Macadamia nuts, Garlic/tomatoes/shallots/mushrooms (see above), Alcoholic beverages (i.e., Beer), Rhubarb, Cocoa (not just Chocolate), Yeast dough, Xylitol, etc.
* Sometimes feeding baby food (human) is warranted in times of illness or refusing to eat situations. Make sure the baby food ingredient list does not contain any of the above.
** non -food items like TINSEL