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AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s state veterinarian and director of animal welfare urge Mainers to consider some tips to keep pets and people safe and happy during the holiday season.
A NEW PET
Animal Welfare Director Liam Hughes recommends those getting a pet for the holidays do some research ahead of time. Pets owners must be ready for a long-term emotional and financial commitment. Before adopting or buying a pet, people should consider whether their lifestyle allows time for a pet, what type of pet they are getting and what costs are associated with it.
When looking for a pet in Maine, search animal shelters, pet stores or breeders that are licensed by the state. Don’t buy animals on the side of the road or in a parking lot, since you cannot meet and evaluate the appropriateness of that pet for a household ahead of time. Beware of online sales for the same reason.
HELPING PETS AVOID DANGER
The American Veterinary Medical Association and other organizations offer tips on how to help ensure that your pets make it through the holidays safely.
Keep people food away from pets. If you want to share holiday treats with your pets, make or buy treats formulated just for them. The following people foods are especially hazardous for pets:
* Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Although the toxicity can vary based on the type of chocolate, the size of the pet and the amount, it’s safer to consider all chocolate off limits.
* Other sweets and baked goods also should be kept out of reach. Not only are they often too rich for pets; an artificial sweetener often found in baked goods, candy and chewing gum, xylitol, has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.
* Turkey and turkey skin – sometimes even in small amounts – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis.
* Table scraps – including gravy and meat fat – also should be kept away from pets. Many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins and grapes.
* Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
If you believe your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian immediately, or call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888-426-4435. Signs of pet distress include sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
DECORATIONS
* Consider tying your tree to the ceiling or a doorframe using fishing line to secure it.
* Broken ornaments can cause injuries and ingested ornaments can cause intestinal blockage or be toxic. Keep any homemade ornaments, particularly those made from salt-dough or other food-based materials, out of reach.
* Tinsel and other holiday decorations can cause intestinal blockages, sometimes requiring surgery.
* Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, pointsettias and holly can be dangerous and even poisonous to pets who eat them.
* Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire.
* Liquid potpourris pose risks because they contain essential oils and cationic detergents that can severely damage your pet’s mouth, eyes and skin. Solid potpourris could cause problems if eaten.
PARTIES AND VISITORS
* Make sure your pet has a room or crate somewhere away from commotion, where your guests won’t follow. Pets that are nervous around visitors should be put it in another room or a crate with a favorite toy.
* Inform guests ahead of time that you have pets or if other guests may be bringing pets to your house.
* If guests ask to bring their own pets and you don’t know how the pets will get along, you should either decline their request or plan to spend time acclimating the pets to each other.
* Keep exotic pets safely away from the hubbub of the holidays.
* Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving. Make sure your pet has a microchip with up-to-date, registered information.
* Clear the food from your table, counters and serving areas when you are done – and make sure the trash gets put where your pet can’t reach it.
For more information visit maine.gov/dacf and look for “animal welfare.”
