It's that time of year again! The holidays are quickly approaching and, as we begin to make our lists (and check them twice!), we often forget that many of our favorite traditions may pose a serious threat to our pets! The days surrounding Christmas is always a busy time for Brook Farm. Animals often get sick because of distracted or unknowing pet owners. Most of the problems are gastrointestinal and can be prevented.
Avoid sharing what's on your plate after the Christmas feast. Make sure to secure garbage cans with food scraps and bones inside. "The most common hazard is gastrointestinal upset caused by fatty foods," says Brook Farm veterinarian Dr. D. Evan Kanouse. Although it may seem cruel to withhold fatty meats, carcasses, gravies or baked goods from your pets, feeding "people food" often results in problems ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe pancreatitis and even potentially life-threatening obstructions.
The fat, sugar and chocolate in baked goods can also pose serious problems. Watch out for meats that have been sitting out or parts that may be undercooked. It could be infected with salmonella, a bacterial organism that may be present in the cooked animal's intestinal tract. The cooking process usually destroys all the organisms, making sure the meat is safe to eat. If the meat sits out at room temperature for too long, however, the salmonella organisms can return, multiple and cause contamination. Pets may become ill if they eat any of the meal that has been sitting out.
Adding a teaspoon of turkey meat or broth to your pet's food should allow you to share the "Christmas experience" with your pet.
Ingested meat bones are also a potential danger. They are hollow and easily splinter into sharp pieces. The splinters can lodge in your pet's throats or intestine and cause punctures to the intestinal tract and create blockages. They may stay lodged in your pet's body for days before there are symptoms. Signs of serious problems may include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes the bone will pass by itself. Other times, surgical removal is necessary.
Please understand that house guests, even of the canine variety, could upset your pets as well. Cats may choose to hide; dogs may become fearful or aggressive (especially around other dogs in competition of food.) Consider creating a 'safe zone' for your pets until the new sounds, smells and activity of the holiday is over.
For more information, take Brook Farm's free online course about holiday pet safety at http://ude.my/cmx6k.
