Wine, the holidays come with … Winter Holidays / Holidays and dangers for non special

The winter holidays are just around the corner, but with them come certain risks for pets. From festive treats to living decorations and many guests or fireworks that celebrate the new year, all can pose potential threats to our furry friends.

First of all we will talk about the food served during this time. We know that December is filled with amazing foods and smells, but we must remember that most can cause serious issues for pets. From the usual chocolate that is harmful due to the cocoa content and food scraps like bones, meat, cheese, cakes, etc., all can affect the health of our pets, leading to an unpleasant time for everyone.

Forget a small list of foods encountered during this period and their effects:

• Chocolate (cocoa) – cannot be metabolized by pets, its ingestion that leads from slight signs of indigestion to severe poisoning manifested by neurological signs and internal damage of the organs.
• Grapes and raisins can cause acute renal failure.
• Onion and garlic, raw or cooked, are also toxic to the body of our patrols.
• Once ingested, they lead to digestive signs, anemia and even kidney failure.
• Foods based on animal proteins are not toxic but contain many mixed ingredients (spices, fats, additional substances) which together can affect the health of our partner. From simple digestive signs represented by vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain, they can be complicated with pancreatitis, erosions or ulcers on the digestive tract, hepatitis, etc.
• Artificial sweeteners (such as the Xilitol) determine the secretion of insulin in the blood and, consecutively, a reduction of blood sugar, leading to vomiting, apathy or even lethal hypoglycaemia convulsions.
• Boiled bones become British, breaking into small pieces, which can be blocked in the gastrointestinal tract or can drill the walls of the intestine. In other scenarios they dehydrate and form «thorns» on the digestive tract that leads to constipation, vomiting and general conditions.
• The cheese with mold or old foods produces toxic substances for pets and which can influence their nervous system.

Wine, the holidays come with … Winter Holidays / Holidays and dangers for non -special

Let’s discuss a bit about the decorations we use during this time. What we need to realize is that all small and medium-sized, colorful or bright items that catch our eye are also noticed by our furry friends.

All decorative items should be stored safely, away from the curiosity of the cat or dog. The safest ways to make the home festive can be done, considering the number and personalities of the pets in the house.

Worm, the Motanel who did not give up on the struggle for life when no one gave him any possibility

The same advice also applies to toys, wrapping and various accessories that brighten our celebrations.

The decorative plants of this time are not safe when it comes to living with a more or less curious pet. For instance, Christmas plants can cause irritation if eaten and may result in vomiting, unease and excessive drooling. The mistletoe, if eaten in small bites, can cause tummy troubles (vomiting, diarrhea) and larger amounts can affect the heart system.

The fir tree is the main feature, endless, in the home decoration and sadly it can be a cause of mishaps and issues. While putting up the fir tree, we need to ensure that it is securely placed, that the ornaments hanging on the branches are arranged well and our pets are watched when around the tree. Nowadays, thankfully, there are many ways to decorate the home and fir tree that lessen the chances of accidents.

Holidays and dangers for non special

The whole holiday season has been and will be filled with loud noises made by fireworks, firecrackers, music, and some traditions specific to certain places. Sadly, animals do not enjoy these bright displays as much, since it can be a challenging time for them.

Piometer in dog and cat

Due to their fear, dogs often try to flee from what they see as a threat, which is why during this time, especially on New Year’s Eve, many dogs go missing from home. Other signs may include being restless, losing their appetite, or changing their usual behavior.

If you have a pet at home that shows these signs during the holidays, it is best to take steps to ensure they feel comfortable. You can create a quiet space for them to relax, play calming music to drown out loud noises, take short walks at times when it is quieter, and so on. If your pet shows extreme reactions that last for a long time and cause stress to either the pet or the owner, your veterinarian can provide advice and may recommend medications to help them during this time.

Furthermore, having a microchip and registering your dog in Recs (the electronic dog registry for owners) is very useful, as it helps if dogs escape from home and are found by strangers. They can take them to a vet to scan the microchip and identify their owner.

December is a festive and happy month. The last thing anyone wants is to spend their holidays in a vet’s office. So, make sure your furry friend is safe from any dangers, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you suspect your pet may be having issues.

Retinian Athrophy progressive (Pra)