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 HSUS Disaster Planning Manual for Animals 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASPCA Warm Weather tips for Pet Owners

 

 

 

 

ASPCA Cold Weather tips for Pet Owners

 
WE ARE THEIR VOICE!

Holiday Health Tip:
 
Out of reach, out of harm. Wherever you are for the holidays, keep chocolate in all its forms out of your dog's reach. If you think s/he has eaten a large amount of chocolate, contact a vet immediately. Keep tinsel, ribbon and strings away from cats, who may swallow bits and then need surgery if pieces get stuck in their intestines.

Remember:
Cold Weather Checklist

You are prepared for winter...is your pet?

Do you have enough of the following items to last a few days, should the roads become unsafe for travel or the veterinary office is closed?

• pet food
• litter
• fresh water supply
• soft warm bedding
• any medications your pet takes on a regular basis

As pet owners we try to do the best we can for our pets in terms of keeping them healthy, happy and safe. Behavioral problems are no fun for anyone.. you or your pet. They may seem like they are having a good time tearing up your furniture and eating your shoes.. but they really aren't having fun, they might just be bored.

Before you decide that you cannot deal with the problems.. Remember, relinquishing the animal is not the solution. It would be rather risky to believe that someone will adopt a pet that already has behavioral issues. It's not always the pets fault... remember Exercise, exercise, exercise! Lack of exercise may be linked to behavior issues. You would be amazed at what 20 minutes twice a day can do for a pet and for you. A tired dog is a happy dog!

A responsible pet owner is also an informed per owner. I like to try to keep information somewhat simple so not to create extra stress on pets or owners, but detailed enough to understand the importance of the information.

                                                    

Safety Tips for your Pet in the Winter and during Holidays:

      

Winter is one of my favorite times of the year!  We enjoy many things like the snow, decorations, good food and lots of friends and family.  We can’t forget our special family members during this time!  If they are outside at all during the cold temperatures make sure you are taking care to consider their coat and warmth.  The dogs that may need a cute little jacket to help them stay warm include short hair dogs, older dogs, younger dogs and any dog with a medical condition that may make it hard for them to maintain body heat.  Now with that said, some dogs LOVE to be out in the cold weather (Huskies, German Shepherds, Malamutes ect).  If you do let your pet out during the cold days, make sure that they still have plenty of access to fresh water, a place to get out of the weather and stay warm if it should start to snow, rain or get windy! 

Winter is also a good time to get out and play in the snow or go for a hike.  Keep a close eye on your dog’s pads and hair as snow can ball up and cause severe mats under their feet.  Ice and snow can also cause cuts to their pads.

 

Antifreeze -
CAUTION!!!!  Just a few licks of antifreeze can KILL a small dog/cat! Antifreeze is very sweet and dogs love it!  If you even suspect that your animal has gotten into antifreeze call your veterinarian as soon as possible!  This can cause severe renal failure, seizures, vomiting or diarrhea.  Early signs may even include acting "drunk".  When changing or adding antifreeze to your car, make sure you are VERY careful and keep everything clean!  There are even products that you can use that have safer ingredients so check the product that you use!  If any spills occur, mop them up instantly and use an absorbent material to soak up any extra (cat litter, sand, wood shavings). 

Holiday Decorations -
Make sure your tree is secured well to prevent any "tipping" or falling over from a tree climbing cat or "wild" tails.  Avoid using any special additives to the tree water in case your happy puppy wants a little taste!  Keep breakable or special ornaments up high on the tree and avoid any tinsel, string, or ribbon on the tree. Be careful with presents as they can cause serious internal injuries to your pet’s gastrointestinal tract.

Treats/Foods-
Keep all treats, candies and CHOLOCATE away from all pets.  Any change in diet can cause vomiting, diarrhea or severe gastrointestinal pain.  Some foods are very high in fat and can lead to pancreatitis as well.  Other known toxins (chocolate or raisins) can cause even more severe signs that will need veterinarian attention.  If your pet has gotten into anything they should have not, please call your veterinarian. 

Holiday Stress -
Don’t forget that the holidays can be a stress time for you and your pets.  They are able to sense your stress as well and the more we worry about family coming, shopping, getting things ready, they will feel that stress as well.  Try to keep their routine the same every day (feeding time and play time).  Keep ID tags on pets at all times in case they slip out the door as company is coming over.  And watch all pets around new people (strangers) as they may not understand what the "holidays" are all about!

Plants-
A few common plants seen during the holidays can be upsetting to your dog/cats system if eaten.  Sharp pine needles can puncture your pet if ingested so keep any eye out for any chewing on the tree or wreaths.  Poinsettia plants can cause a severe upset stomach so keep up away from your pets.  Mistletoe, Holly and Lillies are poisonous so should be kept out of reach or not in the home around pets.

A Feast-

While the humans are chowing down their Holiday dinner, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner, perhaps with a few added vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans, without and butter or toppings) inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

Bad to the Bone-

Never give your pets any bones from your Holiday dinner. Bones can splinter when chewed. This can cause broken teeth, gastrointestinal upset, lacerations, or death. Also avoid hoofs and pig ears.

But the most important thing about the Holidays/Winter is to have fun and make sure to include your pet in that fun!

Here are a couple of handy phone numbers to have around...just in case:

National Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) $50 Fee
Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) $35 Fee

 

 

 

Helpful links:

Here are some links to some helpful links to information and articles. These are not meant to be the answer to every question you have about what your pet does but they are great guidelines and may help answer some of your basic questions. I hope you'll take the time to browse through some of them.

While we love our pets dearly we also need to understand some of the dangers we can impose on them as they live in our environment. Please take the time to read the Poison Control Center pages by following this link. Also! Write down and keep the number to the National Animal Poison Control Center. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

  

Help the ASPCA stop animal abuse. Read the information at the following link to learn how to spot and report animal abuse. http://www.aspca.org/news/national/03-27-09.html#1

 

Thinking about adding a dog to your wonderful family? Love Labs? Consider adopting a Lab from Lab Rescue of LRCP Inc. I am a volunteer Adoption Coordinator for Lab Rescue and would love to help you find your newest best friend -  http://www.lab-rescue.com/. Even if you don't have time or room for one more you can help by sponsoring a Lab in need. Visit www.lab-rescue.org or call the Lab Line at (301) 299-6756.