Keeping Pets Safe, Healthy, Happy over Holidays

The holidays can create a unique set of issues for pets.

On "The Early Show" Friday, resident veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell answered a host of questions submitted by viewers:

My dog and I travel by car to visit and stay with family over the holidays, so what advice do the pet experts have for making the car ride easier on my pet?

You are not alone in your plans to travel with your dog. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, an estimated 29.1 million Americans say they have traveled with a pet in the past three years. Canines are the most popular travel companions. As estimated 78 percent travel with their parents while felines take second place at 15 percent.

There are some steps you should take to make sure you, your family, and your pet have a good time.

First of all, call ahead to make sure that your family members know (and is okay with) you're bringing your pet. In advance, talk out all the concerns and limitations before you show up on their doorstep with Fido. If there are parts of the house, furniture, or rooms that your relatives would rather keep your dog out of, know that in advance. Also, ask if there is a yard or nearby park to walk your dog while you are visiting. Make sure you know where the dog will be allowed to sleep and eat. And inquire about allergies. If anyone is allergic to pet dander, then you might want to reconsider taking him along. It's a good idea to let your veterinarian give your pooch a quick exam before you take the trip. And don't feed your dog immediately before taking off. It's usually best for Fido to travel on an empty stomach.

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Once all those preliminary issues are settled, there is some pet travel gear that will make the trip smoother. Bring along a blanket or seat cover to protect your vehicle upholstery from hair, stains, and "accidents." You should plan to restrain your dog in either a doggie seatbelt or a carrier. A free-roaming pet in a moving car is a huge danger to you and the pet. In the unfortunate event of an accident, a free-roaming pet becomes a missile and can hurt or even kill passengers. Also, bring along a portable water bowl and food dish. The pet should have frequent access to clean water, so pack some water too to offer during rest stops. If the trip is short, you may want to hold off on feeding your dog a meal until you arrive at your destination. Many pets suffer from motion sickness, so eating and riding are not a good mix for them. If the road trip is a long one, then also bring along your pet's favorite toys and chews to give them some entertainment and exercise during your stops.

Finally, bring along your dog's bed and favorite toys to have on hand at your relative's home. Plus a T-shirt that has your scent on it may help relieve any stress he feels because of being in an unfamiliar environment.

How do your prevent a three-year-old kitten from eating plants? I would love to have some poinsettias but I am worried that our kitten, who loves to eat plants, would go after them.

The berries of holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous to your pets if eaten. And, while poinsettias may not be truly poisonous, their leaves and sap can cause gastric distress. With so many hybrid varieties out there these days, it's probably best to keep all holiday plants out of your pet's reach. Hang them from the ceiling or put them on high surfaces that the cat cannot jump up on.

There are a few techniques to use in order to deter your pet from eating and chewing on plants. There are sprays and repellents available from pet stores that are safe for the plant, but the unpleasant taste deters cats from chewing on the leaves. Household items like Tabasco sauce or juice concentrate to keep pets away from plants. And some pet owners condition their animals by spraying them with a water bottle every time the owner catches them chewing on a plant. Eventually the animal will realize that every time it goes near the plant, it will get sprayed.

Outside of holiday chocolate, are there other foods that are dangerous to your pet?

Don't feed your pets scraps from the table! High-fat foods, which are typically found on holiday menus, can upset your pet's stomach. Instead, keep your pet's favorite treats on hand and offer them when the rest of the family is enjoying their meal. The following foods are commonly found around many homes during the holidays, and can be especially hazardous to your pet:

Bones: The holiday turkey or chicken will provide lots of tantalizing bones, but don't feed them to your pet. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in their throat, stomach, and intestinal track. Beware of steak bones, and ham bones, too.

Onion and garlic: These contain sulfides, which can cause the destruction of red blood cells, and are toxic to animals. Foods spiced with onion and/or garlic should not be given to pets.

Raisins: Many people use them while baking during the holiday season. But, they could pose a choking hazard, so keep them out of reach. Raisins are particularly problematic for cats.

Chocolate: What would the holidays be without boxes of chocolate and warm cocoa? And, though it may be tempting to sneak your pet a little piece -- don't! It can be toxic, or even fatal, to dogs and cats (chocolate poisoning occurs most frequently in dogs, but other animals are susceptible, too). The amount of toxicity depends on the amount of a substance called theobromine in the chocolate. Unsweetened cocoa is usually the most toxic, and milk chocolate is usually the least toxic (the amount found in white chocolate or chocolate flavored dog treats is usually negligible - see attachment). Chocolate poisoning requires emergency medical treatment. So, always keep chocolate well out of reach.

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[erasmus111]

Another thing that should be avoided is pets drinking the water of the Christmas tree. Some people put stuff in the water, but there is also the problem of possible pesticides.

[Cory911]

Great tips! I think everybody is in such a festive mood that they forget about what should and shouldn't be done with our precious pets.

Cory
www.ClawLinks.com