Historical November 1993 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
As the Holidays approach, I consider the topics of interest to pet owners. Previously I have written about the inadvisability of giving pets in particular, as Christmas gifts.
Another area of concern for people who already own a pet is the potential hazard produced by the trappings of our celebrations: decorations, wrapping paper and ribbons, rich food treats.
The decorations placed around a house during the holidays often get the attention of pets in the household. Dogs and cats may find new objects interesting and appealing enough to chew on, or even eat. Decorative items that have food components may attract animals. New objects placed in different locations with different shapes and textures may be appealing to an animal for chewing. Minimally a pet will end up with an intestinal upset causing vomiting and diarrhea, which may not be a minimal problem for the owner.
The tinsel hung on Christmas trees is particularly interesting to cats; and potentially deadly. Cats like to eat lengths of the tinsel which often cause intestinal obstruction and possible perforation. Thread or yarn ornaments present the same danger. Greenery with berries and the sap from the poinsettia plant can be irritating, also causing intestinal distress. Package decorations are often small; the perfect size for chewing or better yet, just swallowing whole. And, the ribbons (especially curling ribbon) are very dangerous when swallowed presenting the same problem as tinsel.
The excess of food that comes with holiday celebrations is no better for our pets than it is for us. And, just like us they don’t know when to quit. Cookies, candies and hors d’oeuvres left on low tables are too tempting for our four-legged friends. Chocolate in large quantities is dangerous and potentially fatal. Meat scraps left over from holiday feasts, whether given freely by well wishing revelers or pilfered from the kitchen garbage, will throw a damper on merry making when they are hurled back up on the living room carpet. Such a rich indulgence could spark an attack of pancreatitis, one of the most difficult conditions to treat, very painful for the pet, and life threatening. So, keep in mind, along with the other 100 million things to remember around the holidays, there are potential problems for your pets lurking amongst the holidays trappings.
A few precautions could keep you from spending Christmas Eve with Fido or Felicia, at the Animal Emergency Clinic.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1993.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1993_11.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
