Holiday Health Risks

The holiday season is a time of celebration, appreciation, and tradition for all of us.  Our homes become filled with decorations while our stomachs become filled with holiday cookies, chocolate, and candy.  These new sights, sounds, and smells are all part of the holidays but many of the traditions we enjoy can be dangerous and even life threatening to our pets.  However, if you become familiar with potential holiday health risks, this season will be a safe and happy one for both you and your pets.

Cats and dogs love to smell, lick and eat plants.  Unfortunately, many holiday plants are extremely dangerous to your pets.  Christmas rose, holly berries, and poinsettias can all cause mild to severe stomach and intestinal problems.  Lillies and mistletoe are both great to look at and extremely toxic to dogs and cats.  Even in low quantities they can cause kidney failure and death.  Christmas trees are beautiful and one of the most popular traditions of the holiday season.  They offer an abundant supply of pine needles for your pets to chew on and free standing water for them to drink.  However, these pine needles can cause pretty severe stomach upset and have occasionally been known to puncture through the intestines.  Prevent your pets from drinking tree stand water by covering it, especially if you add chemicals to keep your tree fresh.  The fertilizer in the water can upset your pet’s stomach and free standing water is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

As your home fills with holiday treats remember to keep them safely away from your pets.  Chocolate is loved by all, including dogs and cats.  Unfortunately, chocolate contains a compound very similar to caffeine, called theobromine.   Pets are especially sensitive to theobromine and even small amounts of chocolate can result in severe sickness.  Side effects of chocolate ingestion start out as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.  When large quantities of chocolate are consumed per body weight, animals will experience heart arrhythmias, seizures, and even death.

Ornaments, yarn, ribbons, and tinsel are very common during the holidays and make great toys for dogs and cats.  If ingested, they can become lodged in the intestines and cause significant stomach upset.  Batteries contain numerous toxic substances and should always be kept away from dogs who love to chew them.  Electric cords should always be hidden or covered and animals should never be allowed to chew them for risk of electrocution.

If you are aware of the potential holiday health risks in your home you are far more likely to have a happy holiday season.  Be proactive and keep things out of your pet’s reach, don’t leave animals unattended near hazardous substances, and never underestimate your cat’s ability to climb your tree.  Remember, preventing diseases are far more effective than treating them.

Jarrod R. Moss D.V.M.

The Decline of the Dog

“No Matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.” (Louis Sabin)

Perhaps our most beloved and trusted companion, the dog has played an important role in human history. Dogs have been around to see the construction of the Great Wall of China and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They have been used for hunting, farming, transportation, and most notably in the 20th century, companionship. Historically, dog ownership has increased steadily over time. However, this year, in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the great depression, dog ownership may actually decrease in America. Considering how important dogs have become to the well being and health of the people who own them, the decline of the dog is a bad thing for America.

Financial woes are causing people to monitor spending more carefully, and companion dogs are feeling the effects. The current economic situation has left many people without the means to care for their pets and many dogs are ending up in shelters. In addition, many families are fearful of their future economic situation, and the number of dog adoptions has decreased dramatically over the past 12 months. This unfortunate combination has resulted in increased numbers of adoptable dogs being euthanized every day and increased numbers of families living without a companion dog.

While relieving oneself of the financial burden of a pet may save money in the short term, numerous studies have proven the health and mental benefits of owning a dog far outweigh the financial expense. In the midst of this poor economy, I would argue now, more than ever, is the time to adopt a new family dog, not relinquish one.

Owning a dog certainly requires a degree of financial commitment to ensure its overall health. A dog must be properly vaccinated, neutered, and treated for parasites. However, the amount of money spent in the care of a dog is an investment in a trusted companion that will be repaid over time. Dogs have been proven to increase the quality of people’s lives, reduce stress levels, and people who own dogs report less loneliness and depression than people who do not. Dog owners also engage in more physical activity than non-dog owners. If you consider the amount of money spent on unhealthy activities during the course of your week, investing in a dog is a wise health decision, both physically and mentally.

In these hard times we should not rid ourselves of those things that give us peace and happiness. It is when we are struggling and weak that we need the love of an animal the most. Dogs are forever loyal, unconditionally loving, and patiently understanding. They possess all the qualities needed by those who are struggling during these uncertain times. Whether you are unemployed, disabled, or just lonely, a dog will stand by you forever. In these tough times, will you stand by them?

Jarrod R. Moss
Redondo Veterinary Medical Center