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Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season
The BC SPCA reminds animal guardians to take
special care to keep their pets healthy and happy during the
upcoming holiday season.
"There are particular hazards for animals around this
particular season, and we urge people to pay extra attention
to their pet's safety," says Lorie Chortyk, Director
of Community Relations for the BC SPCA. The SPCA encourages
guardians to take the following precautions this holiday season:
- Keep pets away from tinsel, ribbons, ornaments,
and other decorations that can cause choking or internal
injuries;
- Place electrical cords out of the reach
of your pet. Chewing on cords can result in serious shock
and burns;
- Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Christmas
Rose plants, ornamental peppers, and the chemicals mixed
into water to extend the life of your Christmas tree can
cause injury and even death if ingested by your pet;
- Keep candy, particularly chocolate, out
of the reach of your pets. Chocolate contains a naturally
occurring ingredient called theobromine that can be extremely
toxic to cats and dogs;
- Make sure your animals are kept away from
all winter chemicals, including anti freeze, which is highly
toxic to pets. Mop up any area where chemicals have spilled
and consider switching to "pet-friendly" propylene
glycol-based antifreeze;
- Bang the hood of your car several times
before starting the engine to alert any cats or other small
animals that may have crawled inside for warmth;
- Make sure your pet has a warm, dry place
to sleep. Dogs and cats are best kept indoors during cold
weather. If you must leave your animal outside, make sure
the animal is protected from the elements and check your
pet's water bowl regularly to ensure it hasn't frozen over.
- Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter
to produce body heat, so increase your outdoor pet's food.
Indoor pets, on the other hand, may get less exercise during
the cold months, and will need fewer calories in order to
maintain a healthy weight."We would also like to remind
people that it is best not to surprise anyone, particularly
children, with a pet at Christmas," says Chortyk. "Proper
guardianship of a pet is a long-term commitment and requires
time, energy, and financial resources. The decision to bring
a pet into your home should be considered carefully to ensure
that the family is able and willing to care for the animal
for the duration of its life." Chortyk says puppies
and kittens are often dropped off at SPCA shelters in January
after the novelty of the Christmas gift has worn off.
"Animals bring so much joy into our lives
and they deserve our best care and attention," says Chortyk.
"The staff and volunteers at the your local SPCA wish
you and your pet a happy and safe holiday season!
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