November 12, 2009

Pets are part of our family, so it is natural for pet owners to want to share holiday foods with their dogs and cats. However, many pet owners don’t know the harm this can potentially cause their pets. Human foods fed even in small amounts can cause stomach upset in pets or, in certain instances, result in severe problems. 

• Baked goods or candies containing chocolate are potentially lethal if ingested by your pet.
• Avoid feeding your pet anything they are not used to eating. Just because your pets regularly enjoy a certain item from one food group does not mean they can safely eat everything else from that same group. For instance, even if your pets are accustomed to eating chicken, turkey could still make them sick.
• Poultry and ham bones can be harmful to dogs. Chicken and turkey bones are hollow and shatter easily, causing little shards to possibly get caught in your pet’s throat, cause an obstruction or even perforate through the lining of the stomach or intestine.  Ham bones usually have a lot of salt on them which could cause stomach upset in your dog or cat.
• Too much of a good thing can become an upset stomach for your pet.  Fat drippings from your turkey pan are too much for your pet to handle. Do not pour this over their usual pet food as an added treat.
• Pumpkin is a natural stool softener for dogs and cats, and can cause diarrhea.

• Inform your guests of the rules when they arrive so they aren’t trying to get on your pet’s good side through food. Instead, have them hand your pet one of their usual treats to help them get acquainted.

• Make sure to secure your garbage when the meal is finished so your pet doesn’t gobble up all of those leftovers while you are enjoying your after-dinner coffee.

• Poinsettia, mistletoe and many traditional holiday plants can be mildly toxic to pets. Keep plants well out of reach or consider using artificial versions.

• All that glitters is not gold! Tinsel, ornaments, lights and other holiday décor can be tempting and hazardous for pets.  Use caution when deciding where to place decorations.

• Pets can become easily frightened and stressed during the unusual commotion of holiday gatherings. Consider keeping your pet in a quiet area away from the festivities.

If your pet becomes ill, call the Humane Society of Missouri Veterinary Centers 314-647-8800, your veterinarian or, after hours, the St. Louis Animal Emergency Clinic.

You can still make the holidays festive for your pet! Serve their usual food in a special holiday dish or buy seasonal pet treats or toys for your pet at one of the three Humane Society of Missouri Gift Shops.  Call 314-951-1566 for locations.

October 27, 2009

Keep pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities to ensure they don’t become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of noisy costumed children.