Holiday Tips For Your Pets
My-Dog.info > Dog Care
Pets are integral part of the family, especially
during the holidays. While most of us are busy making
festive arrangements, we must not forget our pets safety.
Once you know the hazards, a little additional precaution
and planning will make the holiday a happy time for
everyone. Common holiday hazards to be aware of:
• Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous
when eaten
• Tree lights and electrical cords can cause
electrocution as well as burns
• Keep lit candles and flames away from pet's
reach to avoid singed whiskers or fur
• Avoid giving pets chocolate, alcohol, nuts and
spicy sauces. Some foods can be toxic and cause
gastrointestinal problems
• Decorate with care. Ribbon, tinsel, shiny
wrapping paper and glass ornaments can cause havoc with
the digestive system
• Make sure tree is well secure
• Keep turkey bones away from dogs. Turkey and
chicken bones can splinter and break into sharp pieces
and cut or tear the digestive tract
• Make boarding reservations early to ensure
favorite spot in a kennel if you are planning a holiday
getaway
• Provide a quiet place for your pet to escape
when the festivities get too stressful
Keeping bugs at bay on pets
"Fly strike" is a common condition for
outside dogs. The stable fly is the most common cause of
fly bites, however, black flies, deer flies, and everyday
house flies can also bite. Bites most frequently occur in
dogs that live near farms with livestock and in areas
located close to water sources. Dog's ears are the
primary area where flies bite. The thin skin and hair and
the inability of dogs to defend their ears make this area
a prized feeding ground for flies. Some dogs will endure
hundreds of bites a day for two weeks at a time. If you
see blood spots or flies congregating near your dog's
ears, then you can assume fly bites are occurring. The
bite wounds will cause painful, bleeding bumps that
permanently damage and scar the ear.
Prevention is the treatment of choice. For example,
move the pet indoors during the heat of the day, keep
your pet clean and well groomed. Spraying outside living
quarters with pyrethrin spray will help keep flies to a
minimum. Remove any material which may attract flies,
such as fecal material, uneaten food and garbage. At the
first sign of fly bites, gently cleanse the ear with warm
water and antiseptic soap, such as liquid Dial. Rinse the
ear well and dry with soft paper towel. Apply a topical
antibiotic ointment such as VIP fly repellent two or
three times a day to help control any infection and
promote the healing of the damaged ear tissue. If the
bites are severe or maggots are present, veterinary
attention may be needed. Keeping your pet healthy and
comfortable will be rewarded with a happy companion for
you.
Making A Mark
Spraying is most common in non-neutered males and in
multi-cat households. When a cat sprays, it is their way
of marking territory. The spraying of urine on vertical
surfaces like drapes, furniture, bedding and clothing is
their way of identifying "his" property or
covering the scent of other cats. Many cat owners confuse
urine spraying with urinating. Urine spraying is a normal
cat behavior that has nothing to do with your cat's
sanitation. If your cat urinates outside of his litter
box, you should call your veterinarian. Your pet could
have urinary tract infection that needs to be treated as
soon as possible. If your cat sees another cat, including
other cats in your household, his natural response is to
mark his territory, which is "your" home. Cats
that get along with other cats are not competitive and
are less likely to spray. Giving equal attention to your
cats through play and allowing them to eat and sleep
together will help develop a positive relationship
between them. Also, keep to a normal routine; changes in
routine often causes spraying. Feeding at the same time
each day and keeping their litter box clean reduces their
anxiety. Neutering your cat should alter this anti-social
behavior. More than 90 percent of cats will not start
spraying if they are neutered before they are six months
old. However, your cat may become enthralled in this
antisocial behavior even after spraying just one time.
Choosing A Pet
More than 70,000 puppies and kittens are born
each day in the United States. Animal shelters have an
enormous surplus of unwanted animals. If you are looking
for a new pet, consider visiting your local animal
shelter. An abundance of dogs and cats, are waiting for a
loving home. Many shelters have purebred dogs and cats of
many shapes and sizes. Most are already housebroken or
litter-boxed trained. Some dogs may have experienced
obedience training.
• Are you a dog or cat person? Dogs require more
time, while cats are more independent.
• Does size matter? If you live in a house with a
back yard, you may want a medium or large animal. If you
live in an apartment, you may be allowed to have a pet
weighing less than 25 pounds.
• Do you have children? Some breeds are
considered "family pets." Others are better
matched with just one owner.
• What about the pet's history? Some are not good
around children or other pets.
• When you adopt a pet, you are committed to
being a responsible owner -- keeping your pet happy and
healthy. Most pets adopted from the shelter require
vaccinations, heartworm, flea or tick medication and
spaying or neutering; and let's not forget lots of love.
CPR Can Save Lives
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR can be performed
on a cat or dog, using the same guidelines for human CPR.
Knowing pet CPR is important and could save a pet's life.
Here are a few steps you should take:
• If a pet becomes unconscious, respiratory
arrest may occur, stay calm.
• If there is another person with you, have them
call your veterinarian while you perform CPR.
• If a pet has gone into respiratory arrest,
begin artificial respiration immediately.
• If the heart stops, make sure the airway is
clear and begin chest compressions right away to keep the
blood pumping.
• Keep in mind that an animal in pain or scared
will often be aggressive. Even an unreponsive animal can
bite by instinct.
• Before you begin CPR on a pet, look for signs
of life.
• Check for breathing by placing your hand in
front of nose or mouth.
• Check heartbeat by placing your ear against the
chest. If you don't see or feel a pet breathing, make
sure the pet's airway is clear.
• Open the pet's mouth and look for a foreign
object. If you find one, remove it carefully.
• Move the head until the neck is straight. Close
the pet's mouth and blow gently in the nose.
• Blow enough air just to move the chest (blow
harder for large dogs and gently for small animals).
• Once the chest expands, continue the rescue
breathing until you feel regular breathing and can hear a
heartbeat.
• Once your pet is breathing on its own and its
heart is beating regularly, contact your veterinarian
immediately and have the animal examined.
• The overall chance foe success with
resuscitation is low, but in an emergency, it may give
your pet its only chance.
Avoiding Holiday Hazards
The holidays are time for giving, but there are some
things you should not share with your fury friends. A
little precaution and some preventive measures will make
your holidays a happy time for all. Holiday decorations
tend to pose the most danger. Don't punish for curiosity,
but monitor them closely. "Pet proof" your home
and avoid these hazards:
• Holiday foods and candy can cause serious
stomach upsets, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.
• Plants such as poinsettias and berries from
holly and mistletoe are toxic to pets.
• Chewing on electrical wires can cause serious
burns as well as electric shock and possible death.
• Gift wrapping, ribbon, yarn, tinsel, garland,
string and tape can cause intestinal obstruction.
• Breakable ornaments such as decorative beads
and "angel hair," which is actually spun glass,
can cause severe cuts in the mouth and esophagus and
blockages in the stomach and intestines if digested.
• Climbing on Christmas trees can cause harm to
your pets.
• Make sure your pets have collars and tags on in
case of escape. With everyone coming and going, watch out
for open doors.
• Alcohol can cause serious intoxication in pets,
and many pets are attracted to it.
• Chocolate is toxic, even in small amounts. it
can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures
and disorientation.
When choosing a holiday gift for your pet, be sure it
is safe. Holiday treats should be healthy and given in
moderation. We want the holidays to be happy time for you
and your pet. Remember don't forget to relax and spend
some quality time with your furry friends.
Cures for fears of being alone
Dogs are naturally pack animals and need to be with
other dogs, pets, or people. Even though most dogs
are used to being alone, for others, it is a terrifying
experience. It is no fun to leave the house and hear your
dog barking and howling as you drive away.
It’s even less fun to return and find that he has
ingested the couch, torn up your favorite book, chewed
your table legs and ripped your curtains and blinds off
the windows. This sort of behavior or condition is called
separation anxiety. A dog that has separation anxiety
will become very anxious when they sense their owner is
about to leave, and often be overly exuberant when the
owner returns. There is no quick fix, but here are some
suggestions:
• Don’t make a big deal about leaving or
coming home.
• Teach your dog to relax. If your dog can learn
to relax in a “stay” position for a period of
time, he will be more likely to learn to relax while you
are away.
• Change your daily routine. When your alarm goes
off, dogs know it is time for you to go to work. They
start getting anxious. Change your routine by setting the
alarm on a Saturday, get up and get dressed, but stay
home.
• Have short departures. This determines how long
you can leave your dog before they get anxious.
Start out with five seconds and gradually increase and
return before they become anxious. Always reward for
staying calm.
• Link your departure with something good. As you
leave, give your dog a treat or toy. This tends to take
their mind off of you leaving.
• Crate your dog. Many dogs feel secure.
• Patience is the key. Are you going away for the
holidays? The U.S. Army Veterinary Service has a list of
local kennels.
Don't brush off your pets
Statistics show that more than 85 percent of all dogs
and cats, three years and older, show signs of inadequate
dental care, and that all pets are at risk of problems.
The most common tooth and gum disorder, periodontal
disease, can appear as early as four month of age. This
disease begins as an inflammation around the teeth and
gums as a result of tartar buildup: pet's persistent bad
breath, yellow-brown crust around the gum line, bleeding
gums, pain when eating, pawing at the mouth, or a change
of chewing or eating habits. Ignoring these signs can
lead to tooth loss and serious damage to vital organs, or
even death.
Tips for pet dental hygiene:
• Start dental care early. Get your pet
accustomed to teeth cleaning while it is still a puppy or
kitten.
• Use a toothbrush designed for pets. A soft
bristled brush or a "finger" toothbrush, which
fits over your finger.
• Use toothpaste specifically designed for pets.
Human toothpaste or baking soda can upset your pet's
stomach.
• Brush in short sessions. Pay close attention to
the upper back molars and canines.
• Hold your pet gently while brushing, never
over-restrain the pet.
• Praise your pet when you are finished brushing.
Offer a treat for good behavior and words of praise.
• Feed a balanced diet. Some pet foods are
formulated to clean teeth and reduce signs of periodontal
disease.
These teeth brushing tips alone won't clean teeth
sufficiently to prevent dental disease, but regular home
dental care may minimize veterinary bills and help
maintain your pet's health. Your pet's teeth should be
examined and cleaned by a veterinarian regularly.
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