Happy Friday, Missians!
Thanks for joining us for another holiday edition of Missy's Blog! We're still your premiere source for fun and informative pet topics. I hope this holiday season has found you all safe and more joyous so far. We here at the Missy Show want to thank you all for supporting us since 2014. We've greatly enjoyed being here with you guys and providing you all with ways to improve the lives of your pets.
Even though my co-host, D. wasn't able to join me for any of our shows this year, she also wanted me to thank each and every one of you for listening and for reading our blog posts. There could be no us without you all! So once again, thanks!
Now...
Not to beat a dead horse over the head, but holiday safety is very important for your pets. Despite the fun activities that occur this time of year for humans, there are a lot of hazards that could be potentially dangerous or fatal for your pet. So, because of this, we'll continue to always put out a holiday safety post each year, (especially for any of you who may be new to our blog).
I'm also going to be posting a past Christmas-themed Missy Show episode in our Facebook group and on Twitter tonight at 7pm. So, be sure to check out the link to listen, (I won't reveal which episode it'll be). We'll have another Christmas episode posted to the group and Twitter on Sunday and Christmas Eve, and one last Christmas themed blog post on Christmas Eve. After that, we'll have one more post for 2019 on Friday, December 27th.
Okay, now for today's holiday safety post from the ASPCA from 2015 (originally):
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers
Thanks for joining us for another holiday edition of Missy's Blog! We're still your premiere source for fun and informative pet topics. I hope this holiday season has found you all safe and more joyous so far. We here at the Missy Show want to thank you all for supporting us since 2014. We've greatly enjoyed being here with you guys and providing you all with ways to improve the lives of your pets.
Even though my co-host, D. wasn't able to join me for any of our shows this year, she also wanted me to thank each and every one of you for listening and for reading our blog posts. There could be no us without you all! So once again, thanks!
Now...
Not to beat a dead horse over the head, but holiday safety is very important for your pets. Despite the fun activities that occur this time of year for humans, there are a lot of hazards that could be potentially dangerous or fatal for your pet. So, because of this, we'll continue to always put out a holiday safety post each year, (especially for any of you who may be new to our blog).
I'm also going to be posting a past Christmas-themed Missy Show episode in our Facebook group and on Twitter tonight at 7pm. So, be sure to check out the link to listen, (I won't reveal which episode it'll be). We'll have another Christmas episode posted to the group and Twitter on Sunday and Christmas Eve, and one last Christmas themed blog post on Christmas Eve. After that, we'll have one more post for 2019 on Friday, December 27th.
Okay, now for today's holiday safety post from the ASPCA from 2015 (originally):
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips
The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.
The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.
Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations
- Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
- Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
- Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
- That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
- Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers
- Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
- Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
- Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
- Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.
Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering
- House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
- Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
- A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
- New Year's Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
Until Tuesday,
This is your host, J,
signing off...
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