Urbzen

The holiday season is a magical time of year, both for us and for our four-legged best friends. Mr. Henry is especially fond of tearing wrapping paper (off of his presents or anyone else’s), as well as the Christmas stocking his grammy prepares for him.

But there are a few important precautions you can take to keep your festivities from taking a tragic turn. Many thanks to Michael’s Pet Sitting of NYC for this wonderful list of holiday pet safety tips:

If you decorate with plants, be careful. Cats, dogs and birds can nibble household plants, and many, including mistletoe and some poinsettias, can make your pet very ill. Be sure your holiday greenery is out of your pet’s reach.

The same is true if you have a Christmas tree. Put only unbreakable, nontoxic decorations at the bottom of the tree so there is no danger of your little ones batting a glass ball and breaking it, or of your pup chewing up your grandmother’s antique bubble lights.

Why not put some kitty baubles or doggie toys on the lower branches instead? Or, if you have both pets and kids, put the tree and gifts into a playpen. It may not stop Kitty, but at least the tree won’t easily fall down if she climbs it.

If you have a live tree, wrap the base so your pets won’t drink from the tree’s water, and keep the birds away from the tree. Many modern live trees are covered in chemicals that can be toxic to your little friends.

It’s also important to be especially careful with candles. Your cat or bird may be enticed by the flicker of the flame, and could singe his whiskers or worse. Place glass “hurricane lanterns” or other attractive covers over candles to protect your home and your pets.

On New Years Eve, plan to keep your pets from becoming frightened by the traditional firecrackers and other noisy merriment. Some dogs respond to fireworks with extreme fear or by trying like hell to escape from the yard. Consider leaving them inside if you go out to celebrate.

Pets often are stressed by the changes in household routine during the holidays, especially if you are feeling stressed yourself. Cats and dogs often respond to stress by becoming hyper, hysterical or destructive, and some may simply retreat.

Why not plan to spend some special time with your pets to calm yourself and reassure them during this hectic time? An extra trip to the dog park or game of tug can do wonders for you both. And if your pet is especially upset by strangers visiting, prepare a refuge where she can go to escape the crowd.

In the chaos of the holiday season, it’s easy to lose track of important safety information. Take the time to look up the nearest 24 hour emergency vet to where you and your pets will be celebrating. Keep the number for the National Animal Poision Control Center handy as well–.

Merry Christmas – Happy Hanukkah – Happy New Year!

If you’re in the New York City area and looking for someone to watch over your furry friends this holiday season, please consider Michael’s.

With the recent spate of recalls and the obscured origins of much commercial pet food, many dog owners have turned to home-cooked meals as a safe and cost-effective solution for feeding their furry companions. 

Most pet parents know that chocolate and certain plants like poinsettias should be off-limits to man’s best friend. However, several natural and seemingly healthy human foods are also harmful–even toxic–to dogs. So before you head to the kitchen to whip up fresh batch of canine casserole, read on to discover five surprising foods that are toxic to dogs—and five Fido-friendly snacks you may already have in your cupboard.

Caveat Eater:

Garlic & Onion: Though treated as a health food and often taken in supplement form by humans, garlic (along with its alliaceae cousins onions and leeks) is toxic—sometimes deadly—for pets, with reactions ranging from stomach damage to acute dermatitis to asthmatic attacks. Pets By Nature reports the story of a Pennsylvania woman who lost her Newfoundland to garlic poisoning: “Within two weeks of feeding a popular garlic supplement available at most pet stores and over the Internet, her Newfoundland developed a bleeding ulcer and perforated intestine.” The dog did not survive.

Grapes & Raisins: While not as toxic as members of the onion family, consumption of grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, dehydration and, in large quantities, kidney failure. The exact toxin present in grapes is not known, but scientists have established that both commercially and privately cultivated grapes, as well as raisins, present a risk. 

Avocado: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic substance called Persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal unpleasantness in dogs. While a medium-sized dog would have to consume a substantial quantity of avocado (picture a big bowl of guacamole) to become seriously ill, even a little bit is enough to cause an upset tummy.

Macadamia Nuts: Not widely consumed outside of Hawaii, macadamia nuts pose a stealth risk to canine health. The nuts can cause macadamia nut toxicosis, resulting in soreness, stiffness, and listlessness, according to Working Dog Magazine. The condition usually passes in 48 hours, but can lead to shock in severe cases.

Nutmeg: This popular spice, commonly used to season cakes, vegetables and even lasagna, should never be found on your dog’s dinner plate. Nutmeg, which has mild hallucinogenic properties, can cause seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems in dogs. In severe cases, shock and death have been reported.

Fido-Friendly Snacks:

So what’s an aspiring canine gourmet to do? In fact, there are several so-called human foods you can use to add flavor and variety to your dog’s diet. Carrots and apples are a favorite of many dogs who enjoy crunchy snacks and can be served cold on a hot summer day. Be sure to cut them into small pieces, though, as dogs have shorter digestive tracts than people do, preventing them from completely digesting large chunks.

Well-cooked rice is a great starting point for much homemade canine cuisine, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomach or those, like many terriers, who are allergic to wheat.

And of course there is rarely a dog who will turn up his nose at meat; however, many dogs are sensitive to beef and chicken. Turkey and salmon are good alternatives, though they too can cause problems if they are undercooked. 

The key to feeding your pet well at home is creating a healthy, safe and balanced diet that suits the particular needs and tastes of your canine companion.  Always consult your veterinarian before making any decisions regarding your dog’s health and diet.