Pet Holiday Safety during Independence Day

It’s the holiday season again, and everyone knows what that means: colorful decorations, family gatherings, out-of-town trips, baked goodies, succulent holiday meals and presents, presents, presents. But what you may not know is that the benign-seeming trappings of holiday celebration can be dangerous, and even deadly, to your pet. Independence Day celebrations are certainly no different.

Here’s some tips, things to watch out for and resources to be safe this holiday season that I have gathered over the years for my press release research that may be handy for everyone – Enjoy!

Holiday injuries reported by local veterinarians
Stomach problems from eating things they shouldn’t and over eating, Vomiting, Smoke inhalation, Blockages, Surgery, Items lodged in the throat or stomach, Stomach poisons, Pets being stepped on, Pancrititus, Diarrehea, Injuries from escape or misuse of fireworks, Upset stomach

Holiday Hazards
· Electrical shock from chewing on lights and decorations
· Decorations that are within reach of pets that get knocked over
· Pets chewing or eating on decorations, fireworks and gift wrap such as bows, ribbons, artificial snow, bubble lights, strings, tinsel, metal ornament hangers (replace with yarn),
· Burns from misuse of fireworks.
· Eating plants like mistletoe, balsam, juniper, cedar, pine, fir, hibiscus, holly, ivy and pointsetta.
· Eating items like trash, glass or plastic ornaments,
· Certain foods not meant for pets like chocolate, bones, turkey skins, people foods, and candy
· Over eating their own food
· Preservatives, sugar, and aspirin additives used in the water reservoir can cause intestinal problems, so make sure the base is inaccessible.
· When traveling with your pets, make sure they are properly secured and don’t fly them in the cargo area on airplanes unless absolutely necessary.
When cooking dinner for your guests, be sure to move pet birds away from the kitchen area. Fumes released from non-stick cookware and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly.
· Artificial trees pose their own hazards. Small pieces of plastic or aluminum can break off and be swallowed, causing intestinal blockage or irritation to the mouth. Check your tree carefully for loose bits as you assemble it.
· Candles & Lights: When setting the mood, be careful to keep candles out of pets’ reach. No one wants singed whiskers and candles can easily be knocked over causing burns to pets or humans. Also, make sure electrical cords are out of the way, taped firmly to walls or floors.
· Poinsettias are not highly toxic but do have a substance in the leaves that is very irritating. This substance can cause irritation on the skin and also of the stomach and intestines, so ingestion may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
· Chocolate, for example, contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs and other animals at fairly low doses. Again, if your pets are loose in the home, make sure such items are out of reach as they will help themselves given the chance. Other sweets may not be toxic but nonetheless should not be given. Likewise, keep your pets on their regular diets. If you stray from the regular diet in order to give pets special treats or meals over the holidays, your pet will likely have a digestive upset, which may not be serious but is uncomfortable and stressful.

Suggestions to prevent injuries and other holiday suggestions
· Pet proof the property
· Keep food items, toxic chemicals and electrical wiring out of reach of pets.
· Properly exercise your pets and provide suitable habitats for them.
· Supervise pets to avoid contact with decorations.
· If you need to decorate your home for the holiday and need to leave for any period of time, secure your pet in a part of the house that is decoration free or at the least quarantine pets by putting baby gates up around holiday décor
· Unplug/turn off items requiring electricity while not in use, only leave on what is necessary to avoid risks of power surges and sparks from outages.
· Clear obstacles from doorways or entryways.
· Make sure flammable materials are clear from electrical outlets.
· Being responsible with decorations and presents
· Care about what kind of water you put under the tree
· Be careful about food that other people are feeding your pets and chewing on string.
· Keep pets indoors and attended when outside.
· Careful about any candy that is on any gifts (like candy canes, chocolates, etc).
· Keep a watchful eye.
· Pick up trash and keep mistletoe and tees out of reach of pets.
· Keep animals crated, be watchful when others are in town and how they interact with the pets.
· Websites like the SD Humane Society have plenty of tips.
· All small things picked up out of reach of pets like plastic ornaments.
· Get silk plants instead of live plants.
· Keep them away when visitors are present, and in the case of escape make sure your pets are always wearing identification tags.
· Do not feed them foods that are not meant for pets.
· Have a pet professional visit the house during the holidays.
· Put decorations high up out of reach.
· If you can add a bit about what to do if you are having a holiday celebration at the home, you might want to mention that holidays are the most popular time to lose a pet because people come in and out of the doors - so it can be best to confine the pet to another area of the home. That also prevents them from getting snacks off the people-food platters and plates left around.
· You can never give your pet sitter too much information about your dogs. Most folks using a pet sitter for the 1st time severely under estimate just how professional it is. if you don't feel like you are dealing with a professional pet sitter, then call another one. Don’t omit anything about your pet knowingly. If your pet ever bit or nipped someone the person in charge of care of your pets will at least want to know.
· Don’t give pets as gifts! As generous and loving as it may seem, if the receiver is not experienced the likelihood of the pet ending up at a rescue is greater. If you should bring in a new pet into the home, wait until the holidays are over as it may be too stressful for your new “furkid”.
· California Veterinary Medical Association says: “Don't dress up your dog or cat unless you know it likes to be dressed up. If you decide to do so, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe and doesn't restrict movement, vision, hearing, or ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with small or dangling accessories that could be chewed off and possibly choked on.”
· “Too much fatty, rich, or even just new types of foods can make your pet sick, so go easy on the tidbits. Bones can tear up or obstruct your pets' insides. Onions destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. And chocolate, especially baking chocolate, can actually kill your dog, so keep it all well out of reach. Instead, treat your pets to feast of their own-pet food, a catnip treat, a special chewy, or a few tablespoons of peanut butter stuffed in a favorite 'food carrier' toy!”
· Pets can get just as stressed with increased guests, noise and activity. Make sure your pet always has a quiet secure place to escape to and be sure to set aside moments every day for quality time with your pet!
· “Luckily, we San Diegans enjoy a pretty moderate climate, but in many parts of the country, winter is a season of bitter cold and wetness. If you're visiting a colder climate this winter…” “Make sure you keep your pets in a warm, dry secure spot. Dogs, cats and other pets, are safer, happier and healthier when kept indoors. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a taste that attracts animals. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach.”
· Don't forget to spend quality time with the fur-family - sometimes we get so caught up in the activities and family feuds, we don't take time for long walks and play sessions with our buddies - which are an excellent de-stressor
· Remember to water the tree regularly, so that the dogs don't!
· Decorate the lower branches with things that don't mind being broken, swallowed or pawed.
· If you have a chewer, coat new wires (like the ones for the christmas tree lights) in bitter apple, or another chew deterent.
· Anchour your christmas tree to the ceiling or wall behind it. The tree was up all of five minutes before Raider decided the garland was fun to grab and run with.
· Don't spoil your holiday with a medical emergency. Please consult your veterinarian, animal poison control, and the manufacturer for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for your pet!
· If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar.
· Try to minimize changes in your pet's normal routine, place it's home in a quieter part of the home if there are lots of visitors around, and bring familiar belongings or toys if traveling with your pet.
· Keep tabs on the Christmas "Spirits" If you or your guests plan to indulge in any alcoholic beverages, make sure that your bird does not have access to them. Alcohol can be deadly to birds, and curious parrots have been known to sneak a drink out of unattended glasses. Keep your pet safe by confining him to an area away from the festivities.
· Remember that any holiday hazard applies to all types of domestic pets, not just dogs and cats, and especially for pets that will have access.
· Pay attention to stress levels. Birds can get stressed pretty easily, and the holidays can make it worse by exposing them to sights, sounds, and people that they are not accustomed to. Consider leaving your bird caged in a quiet, comfortable, and secure area of your home until the party winds down. This will help make sure that your celebration does not cause undue stress or discomfort for your feathered friend.
· When your bird is out of his cage, always make sure to keep a close eye on what he is getting into. Always paying attention to your bird's whereabouts and actions is the best way to keep your bird safe.
· Many exotic pets (e.g. rabbits, ferrets, and rodents) will happily chew on electrical cords, which may be more accessible with lights and trees in the home. Make sure cords are out of reach, or get some flexible plastic tubing to encase any wires. Playful pets may try to chew or swallow ornaments and decorations, which could potentially cause an intestinal blockage, so close supervision or confinement away from decorations may be necessary.

Disaster Center, The Humane Society of the United States - http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center
Emergency Preparedness Kits for Cats & Dogs - http://www.petsready.com
Holiday Pet Safety Checklist - http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HolidaySafety.php
PetSaver First Aid Class program - http://www.pettech.net/petsaver.html
PetSaver First Aid Training - http://www.pettech.net/schedule.html
OptiWell First Aid Classes - http://optiwell.nichirenscoffeehouse.net/pet-first-aid.com.html
American Red Croos First Aid Training Clasases - http://www.sdarc.org/TakeAClass/IndividualTraining/PetFirstAid/tabid/145/Default.aspx
You can also contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680 or go to www.petpoisonhelpline.com as well.
Animal Poison Control FAQ - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/animal-poison-control-faq.html
Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008 - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/top-10-pet-poisons-of-2008.html
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database- http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/
17 Common Poisonous Plants - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/17-common-poisonous-plants.html

Hope that helps!! Have a safe Holiday!

Best wishes,

Kat
Pet and House Care Provider
For more resources click on “Pet Owner Resources” at my website: http://petsitdogwalkbykat.com
Pet/House Care Blog: http://petsitdogwalkbykat.blogspot.com

World Pet Memorial Day and Pet Loss information

All over the world, people come together on the second Sunday of June to remember the furry, feathered and scaly, to remember the way our pets made us laugh, the way they helped to dry our tears and the way they worked their ways into our hearts for the rest of our lives. Although started and based out of Canada this holiday is celebrated worldwide. Visit www.worldpetmemorialdaycanada.com to learn more about Canada's first-ever World Pet Memorial Day event!

PET LOSS IN GENERAL

Over the course of the past few years I have found some great tips, resources and information on pet loss and grief I wanted to share. The loss of a loved family pet can be one of the most tragic times in your life. The decision you must make following this loss, can be both difficult and confusing. For some people, burial is not an option. You may be limited by local regulations, and may not have a pet cemetery in your area. You may live in an apartment, or community, where you do not have a private yard. Perhaps you know that you might someday move from your home, and can't bear the thought of leaving your pet behind. Maybe you feel that burial is just not the right choice for you. Some people simply do not believe in the process of cremation. There is an alternative. Pet preservation, also known as freeze drying, is the comforting alternative to your pet's burial or cremation. Take time to consider all of your options, because only you can decide what is best for you and your pet. Pet preservation, freeze dry taxidermy, may be the comforting alternative you are looking for.

PET LOSS AND GUILT
Courtesy of Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed. allpets Pet Loss Expert
If any emotion rules supreme when a pet dies, it is guilt. No matter what the circumstances of our loss, guilt is there, grabbing us by the throat. It haunts our days, ruins our sleep, and tarnishes our memories. Often, guilt goes beyond the loss itself; we may start to feel guilty for just about everything. If a pet dies through an accident or moment of carelessness, guilt
is quick to follow. Perhaps someone wasn't careful about opening a door, and the pet ran into the street and was hit by a car. Perhaps someone fed the pet a hazardous treat -- a splintery bone or forbidden bit of chocolate. Perhaps someone overlooked a hazard -- an electric cord, or a bit of string. When something like this happens, guilt closes in quickly. If only I had known... If only I had been more careful... If only I had come home sooner... If only I had been watching... The final memories of the pet become a litany of failure. If a pet dies of an unexpected illness, the litany is often similar. Why didn't I notice the symptoms sooner? Why didn't I visit the vet immediately? Why didn't I get a second opinion? How could I have let it go so long, been so blind, done so little? Euthanasia is the grand master of guilt. No matter how certain we are that we are doing what is best for the pet, few pet owners actually feel comfortable with this decision. Very few can walk away from the vet's office without nagging doubts, without wondering what the pet felt or thought in that final moment, without asking whether we should have waited longer or tried harder. Many of us feel guilty of literally murdering a family member. But even if there is nothing in the pet's final hours to trigger a guilty response, we are not off the hook. If we can't find something in the pet's death to feel guilty about, we'll find it in the pet's life. If only I had spent more time with her... If only I had given him more attention... If only I hadn't pushed her off my lap, if only I hadn't ignored those pleading eyes, if only I hadn't been so busy... Before long, we convince ourselves that we were abominable pet owners who made our companions' lives miserable. And now it's too late. We cannot make amends, redeem ourselves...

Why do we feel this way? We are believers in cause and effect. When something goes wrong, we want to know why. How did it happen? What went wrong? Could it have been prevented -- and if so, how? Who is responsible? What could/should have been done differently? Rarely can we acknowledge that there are no answers to these questions. Rarely can we say, "no one was at fault; it simply happened." Rarely can we accept that nothing could have been changed or done differently. This reaction is intensified by the profound sense of responsibility we feel toward our pets. Pets occupy a similar role to very small children: No matter what happens, WE are responsible. We can never expect our pets to understand why they shouldn't run into the street, chew on the electric cord, or filch scraps from the trash. We are always their guardians and protectors. And so, when something happens, we view ourselves as responsible for THAT as well -- and it is only a short step from feeling "responsible" to feeling "guilty." A little bit of guilt, for the right reasons, can be healthy. Next time, we'll vaccinate; next time, we won't feed the pet bones or scraps. Next time, we'll consult the vet immediately about that odd behavior change. A lot of guilt, however, is not so healthy. Left unchecked, it can prevent us from seeking the joy of a new pet -- and can even ruin our lives. I've spoken with pet owners who have suffered from guilt for years. So if you can't shake the sense of being "to blame" for your loss, you could be in for a long, rough ride -- unless you choose to change direction. Notice that I said "choose." While we can't always control how we feel, we CAN control how to respond to those emotions. We can choose whether to control those emotions, or whether to allow them to control us. Nor is guilt simply an emotion. At its core, guilt is a belief -- a conviction that we have done wrong and must suffer for it. The only way to break that conviction is to change what we choose to believe. Here are some choices that can help you take the upper hand over guilt.

1) Choose not to rehearse guilt. Do you find yourself repeating the same guilty thoughts over and over again? They won't go away by themselves. You must choose to make them stop. First, catch yourself. When you find yourself wandering down that painful mental path, put up a mental stop sign. You might choose a physical action, such as snapping your fingers, to remind yourself to change direction. Then, deliberately focus on something else, such as your plans for tomorrow. Focusing on something positive in the future is a conscious reminder that there is more to your life than negatives from the past.
2) Choose to accept what cannot be changed. A self-imposed "penance" for past mistakes accomplishes nothing. It doesn't change, or make up for, the past; it simply ruins your future. Chances are that you've already changed anything that NEEDED to be changed (such as vaccinating your other pets). Can you change anything else? Can you undo what was done? Can you change the outcome of your actions? If the answer is "no," choose to accept that answer. Accept that the only thing you can change now is your future.
3) Choose balance. Guilt keeps us focused on the times we imagine we failed -- the times we were "too busy" to take a pet for a walk, or play with it, or cuddle it. It blinds us to all the other times when we WEREN'T too busy. So the next time your mind drifts into those unhappy thoughts, choose to refocus. Actively remind yourself of the good times, the times when you were, indeed a responsible and caring pet owner. (Chances are, that was MOST of the time.) Flip through your photo albums. Write down a list of the things you did for and with your pet. FORCE yourself to remember what went right. Recognize that there is, and always has been, a balance between your failures and your successes. No, you weren't 100% perfect. But neither were you 100% flawed.
4) Choose forgiveness. Forgiveness is not some abstract religious concept. It is a rock-bottom necessity in any relationship. Think about it. Could you have had a relationship with your pet, if you couldn't not "forgive" the puddles, the torn drapes, the gnawed belongings, the broken heirlooms? Pet owners who can't forgive don't remain pet owners for very long. And it worked the other way as well: How often did your pet "forgive" you for coming home late, or ignoring it, or yelling at it? Forgiveness has always been at the foundation of your relationship with your pet, and now you need to make it the foundation of your healing. Each time guilt tries to remind you of some past mistake, acknowledge that mistake -- and forgive it. If you did wrong, fine. It's done, it's over, and it's time to move forward. Treat yourself with the same degree of love and acceptance that your pet gave you. Only then will you be able to heal and love again.

Pet owners who "don't care" will never experience the pangs of guilt. Only caring, responsible pet owners go through this agony. The trouble is, too much guilt can prevent you from becoming a caring, responsible pet owner AGAIN. The world has enough people who don't care what mistakes they make. It doesn't have enough pet owners who DO care -- who choose to learn from their mistakes and move on to make a difference in yet another pet's life. Don't let guilt keep you locked in a lifetime of misery. Choose to forgive, to love, and to move forward. The world needs you!

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement - http://www.aplb.org/
Embraceable Urns (pet cremation urns & memorials) - http://embraceableurns.com
Immortal Pets Online Pet Memorial - http://www.ImmortalPets.com
Not Just Pets – http://notjustpets.com
Paws 2 Heaven - http://www.paws2heaven.com
Pet Loss Support Page - http://www.pet-loss.net
Pet Loss Support Site - http://www.rainbowbridge.com
Petloss.com/ - Pet Loss Phone Support - http://www.petloss.com
Pets At Rest Urns - http://www.petsatresturns.com
San Diego Pet Memorial Park (Burials and Cremations) - http://www.sandiegopetmemorialpark.com
Sorrento Valley Pet Cemetery - http://www.svpc.biz
Pet Preservations - http://www.petpreservations.com

GRIEF SUPPORT HOTLINES
(530)752-3602, or toll free (800)565-1526 Staffed by University of California-Davis veterinary students; weekdays, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Pacific Time (PT); http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/petloss/index.htm
(888)ISU-PLSH (888-478-7574) Pet Loss Support Hotline hosted by the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/animals/petloss/; operational seven days a week, 6pm to 9pm (CST) from Sept-April; Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:00-9:00 pm (CST) from May-August.
·(217)244-2273 or toll-free (877)394-2273(CARE) Staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 pm Central Time; http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/