lovemydog Member Posts: 33 From:Saskatoon, SK, Canada Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 12-08-2003 11:55 AM
Received this from a listserv today, thought I'd share it...there were a few things I wouldn't have thought of!December 8, 2003 From a press release SECAUCUS, N.J., -- There are many dangers for animals surrounding holiday decorations, food and entertaining. This year you can keep the festivities safe for the whole family with some helpful tips from Jill Richardson, D.V.M, one of the pet pros at Hartz, a leader in the pet products industry. Every family needs to protect their pet from dangers around the house. "During the hectic holiday season, it is easy to forget some of the common threats to our pets," Dr. Jill Richardson points out. "Hopefully this year, we can help to keep everyone safe and happy." Hazards Around the House As you get your house ready for the holidays, keep your pets in mind. Some holiday items could be very dangerous for your pet. * Mistletoe or holly can be harmful if ingested by your pet. Keep these plants out of your pet's reach. * Lilies are often used in holiday arrangements, but they can be very dangerous for your cat. Certain types of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts. * Chose your ornaments carefully. Avoid glass ornaments, which can break and cut tiny paws. * Dangling electrical cords can be enticing to curious pets. If electrical cords are chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Make sure to keep cords out of your pet's reach. * Keep batteries out of your pet's reach. Batteries contain caustic material and if ingested, can cause chemical burns on the tongue, mouth, muzzle and stomach of your pet. Pet Friendly Kitchen * Pet owners may be tempted to give table scraps from holiday meals to their pets as a special treat. Some types of people foods can make pets very sick. * Excessively rich or fatty foods can trigger an inflammatory disease of the pancreas in pets. * Chocolate can cause increased heart rate, tremors, or excitation, depending on the type and the quantity ingested. * Ingestion of uncooked bread dough can be life threatening. The animal's body heat will cause the dough to rise in the stomach and may expand several times its original size. * Some types of grapes and raisins have been shown to cause kidney failure in dogs when eaten in quantity. * Other potentially dangerous food items for pets include moldy or spoiled foods, coffee grounds, onions, alcoholic beverages, macadamia nuts (dogs) and avocado (birds). * Birds are extremely sensitive to any strong odor or smoke. Smoke from burning foods or overheated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated cookware can be deadly for birds.
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