Daily Hazards
“People” Food. Excessive amounts of any non-pet food given to your animals are hard to digest and can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Bones. Bones are dangerous to dogs and cats because they can splinter and pierce internal organs causing serious injury or death. Pieces of bones can lodge in your pet’s throat and cause choking. Buy your dog safe U.S. made rawhide, rubber, or nylon bones instead. Imports may contain pesticides or chemical preservatives.
Chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs and cats because their bodies are unable to process it.
Onions. Onions can lead to anemia in dogs.
Electrical Cords. Since many dogs and cats like to chew, it is important to make sure they do not chew electrical cords–burns or electrocution may result.
Household Cleaners, Medications, and Chemicals. Many common cleaners, medications, and chemicals (including anti-freeze) can be toxic to dogs and cats. These should not be within easy reach of pets.
Household Plants. Some common household plants may be poisonous to dogs and cats. For a free list, please contact The Anti-Cruelty Society.
Animals Allowed to Run Loose. Dogs and cats that are allowed to run loose are in constant danger. They can easily get hit by a car, become lost, be attacked by other animals, abused by cruel people, exposed to extreme weather conditions, and eat garbage or poison. Loose animals are also a danger to other people. Dogs should be walked on a leash at all times, and cats should be kept indoors.
Holiday Hazards
Mistletoe, Holly, and Poinsettias. Keep your animals away from these holiday plants. They are all poisonous to pets.
Holiday Trees. Make sure that your holiday tree is steady and secure so that it can’t be knocked over. If you have anything other than plain water in the tree stand, cover it so that your dog or cat cannot drink from it. Furthermore, tinsel, string, ribbon or angel hair can cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed by your pet. Sharp pine needles, bits of broken ornaments, and ornament hooks can cause intestinal as well as external injuries. Also, keep ornaments high enough on the tree to be out of reach of your pets.
Guests and Gatherings. If you have guests, post a sign on both sides of your door so that everyone is careful to close it securely. A dog or cat can easily slip out and not be missed in the holiday confusion. (This is one more reason to make sure that your companion animal is wearing up-to-date identification.) You might even consider keeping your pet in a quiet room during the festivities. This way, you won’t have to worry about them slipping out, and they won’t be frightened by the noise and commotion.
Animals As Gifts. Do not give a dog or a cat as a gift. Having a companion animal means a daily commitment to that animal for its entire life (10-20 years). Becoming a companion animal guardian is a personal decision that should never be made by someone else. If you want to offer the companionship of a dog or cat to a friend, give a gift certificate from The Anti-Cruelty Society instead. This way, the recipient can choose an appropriate and compatible animal–or choose to not get an animal at all.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, be sure to know how to offer your pet first aid and where to obtain follow-up care from your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.
Web Site Disclaimer:
This site is designed for informational and educational purposes only. www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comand.com does not warrant that the information is in every respect accurate. www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comandand sub domains are not responsible for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies on its site or the results obtained from use of the information provided herein. Web site users are always encouraged to check and confirm the information with other sources and through direct professional contact.
Copyright © 1996-2009 www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comand others as noted.
Daily Hazards
“People” Food. Excessive amounts of any non-pet food given to your animals are hard to digest and can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Bones. Bones are dangerous to dogs and cats because they can splinter and pierce internal organs causing serious injury or death. Pieces of bones can lodge in your pet’s throat and cause choking. Buy your dog safe U.S. made rawhide, rubber, or nylon bones instead. Imports may contain pesticides or chemical preservatives.
Chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs and cats because their bodies are unable to process it.
Onions. Onions can lead to anemia in dogs.
Electrical Cords. Since many dogs and cats like to chew, it is important to make sure they do not chew electrical cords–burns or electrocution may result.
Household Cleaners, Medications, and Chemicals. Many common cleaners, medications, and chemicals (including anti-freeze) can be toxic to dogs and cats. These should not be within easy reach of pets.
Household Plants. Some common household plants may be poisonous to dogs and cats. For a free list, please contact The Anti-Cruelty Society.
Animals Allowed to Run Loose. Dogs and cats that are allowed to run loose are in constant danger. They can easily get hit by a car, become lost, be attacked by other animals, abused by cruel people, exposed to extreme weather conditions, and eat garbage or poison. Loose animals are also a danger to other people. Dogs should be walked on a leash at all times, and cats should be kept indoors.
Holiday Hazards
Mistletoe, Holly, and Poinsettias. Keep your animals away from these holiday plants. They are all poisonous to pets.
Holiday Trees. Make sure that your holiday tree is steady and secure so that it can’t be knocked over. If you have anything other than plain water in the tree stand, cover it so that your dog or cat cannot drink from it. Furthermore, tinsel, string, ribbon or angel hair can cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed by your pet. Sharp pine needles, bits of broken ornaments, and ornament hooks can cause intestinal as well as external injuries. Also, keep ornaments high enough on the tree to be out of reach of your pets.
Guests and Gatherings. If you have guests, post a sign on both sides of your door so that everyone is careful to close it securely. A dog or cat can easily slip out and not be missed in the holiday confusion. (This is one more reason to make sure that your companion animal is wearing up-to-date identification.) You might even consider keeping your pet in a quiet room during the festivities. This way, you won’t have to worry about them slipping out, and they won’t be frightened by the noise and commotion.
Animals As Gifts. Do not give a dog or a cat as a gift. Having a companion animal means a daily commitment to that animal for its entire life (10-20 years). Becoming a companion animal guardian is a personal decision that should never be made by someone else. If you want to offer the companionship of a dog or cat to a friend, give a gift certificate from The Anti-Cruelty Society instead. This way, the recipient can choose an appropriate and compatible animal–or choose to not get an animal at all.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, be sure to know how to offer your pet first aid and where to obtain follow-up care from your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.