Helpful Pet Tips for avoiding the Vet’s office. The Holidays are upon us and as always, here is out annual holiday survival guide.
This means tasty treats, special decorations, and for many, a trip to the vet’s office. This time of year is usually just as stressful for our pets as it is for us. Our furry little family members have the tendency to fill their bellies with everything from dangerous “people” food to pine needles, brightly colored glass bulbs, and tinsel. Not to mention the trouble they can find outdoors! Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM has a laundry list of holiday tips to keep everyone happy through the New Year.
Pet Holiday Do’s and Don’ts – Holiday Survival Guide
- Decorating: Pet-proofing your Christmas tree (anchor with fishing line, use expendable, pet-safe ornaments, place netting around the base of your Xmas tree to prevent pets drinking the water, spritz tree with 50/50 % solution of red pepper & water to discourage pet needle eaters)
- Tinsel is dangerous for cats! They love to eat it, but it can block their intestines. Use two tone ribbon instead.
- Electric and Extension cords– Hide, cover or tape them to the floor …puppies think they are chew toys!
- Candles & Menoras-Place High Up away from puppy paws and wagging tails. The fumes can be toxic to birds!
- House plants to avoid with CATS…Lilies are Deadly, poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, English ivy, amaryllis, hibiscus
- Holiday Pet No No’s: Alcohol, Raw Yeast Dough, Grapes and Raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate, coffee grounds, garlic, onions, chives and bones.
- Pets & Pot Toxicosis: Get to the Pet ER ASAP for canines who have eaten their owner’s marijuana.
- Brining Your Turkey-Salt Toxicosis results when pets enjoy the salt solution
- Pet Proof Trash Cans: for colorful foil, cellophane & candy wrappers!
- Healthy holiday pet foods: pumpkin, cranberries, green beans, broccoli and sweet potato
- Keep Mealtime & Exercise routine to avoid added stress.
- Pet Anxiety Relief-Easing your pet’s stress. Bach’s Rescue Remedy formula. Offer pets some Turkey. Just as the Tryptophan makes us sleepy, it also has a calming effect on your cat and dogs nerves.
- Cold Weather: Keep your pets protected from the frigid temperatures. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Offer a little extra food during the winter months because pets burn more calories trying to stay warm.
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty-plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became the founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
