Happy Holidays

With all the hustle and bustle, the holidays are an exciting time of the year. However, as the preparations begin, pets are exposed to new hazards. Decorations are mistaken for chew toys and ham on the unattended table can make for quite a treat. During the holidays, vigilance is key to making sure the pets stay healthy.

Watch out for the "pretty things". Ribbon, tinsel, wrapping paper, ornaments, and extension cords may all be Fido's next meal. Cats especially love shiny items such as tinsel which can be deadly. String-like items known as linear foreign bodies can cause serious damage to the intestine. If one end gets stuck while the other is pulled through, the contractions can cause the string to cut through the intestine. The cuts may result in infection of the belly cavity which prognosis for is very poor. Pets that have ingested linear foreign bodies will quickly show signs of belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and possibly fever. Some foreign objects may pass through the intestine on their own, but if they do not, surgery is required for removal.

Decorative lights are another attraction for pets. Check the cords to make sure there are no chew marks as they could result in electrical shock. Always, follow the manufacturer's guidelines during installation to minimize the risk. If a pet is shocked, immediate veterinarian treatment should be sought.

Pets love to find their own source of water, and during the holidays, there are many new resources readily available. A favorite generally is the Christmas tree stand. If the water is treated with chemicals, check the bag labeling for indication of it being safe for pets. Also, the fragrance potpourri pots are an attractive source as well. Keep them covered and out of reach. It is difficult to combat a pet's fascination in holiday decorations. However, installation of child gates can be most helpful in solving this problem.

Well-intentioned guests may show their friendliness by sharing their holiday food with the four legged family members. Since holiday foods are often high in fat content, the consumption could result in more than just a typical upset stomach. Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, is primarily caused by the consumption of fatty foods. If the guests want to feed the pets, make sure they give food which is suitable for the pet's diet.

For more information regarding pet holiday hazards, please consult http://www.sanantonioveterinarianclinics.com Joseph Devine