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Holidays With Shelter Pets

December 15, 2022
Have you recently adopted a shelter pet? Congratulations! We love seeing people give dogs and cats second chances, and providing homeless pets with the love, care, and attention they need. However, this can be a stressful time of year for Fido and Fluffy. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be tough on any dog or cat, but for one that’s just settling in, it can really be a lot. A Washington DC veterinarian offers some advice on this below.

Petproof Carefully

Petproofing is a must, especially around the holidays. Your new pal may have quirks and habits you don’t know about yet … such as a penchant for chewing lights or eating gifts. Anything small or sharp is a potential hazard, as are ribbons, garlands, tinsel, and other stringy items. Candles and fireplaces are also unsafe, as are many seasonal plants. Ask your vet for more information.

Beware Of Stresses

Many shelter pets have been through traumatic experiences. These things can leave both physical and emotional scars on animals, just as they can with people. It may take your furry pal time to settle into a new place. Even if Fido or Fluffy seems to be adjusting just fine, they could backslide if something frightens them.  Pay extra attention to your new buddy if you’re having guests over. New Year’s Eve can get pretty loud, which may scare Fido and Fluffy. Offer them a quiet spot, where they can relax and feel safe. A crate may work for a dog, but if your canine pal seems frightened of his, don’t force it. A quiet back room or utility room will do fine. Offer comfy bedding, toys, and treats, and put a radio or TV on to mask the noise.

Gifts

Go a little crazy with the toys and gifts this year. Treats are fine too, but choose healthy options, and don’t go overboard. Beds, grooming supplies, supplements, and pet fountains are also ‘pawesome’ choices.

Love

Carve some time out for enjoying quiet time with Fido and Fluffy. Pet them, play with them, and just talk to them. Remember to get lots of pictures of your furry friend’s first holiday season with you! Purrs and tail wags really are precious gifts.  All of us here at Brentwood Animal Hospital, your Washington DC veterinary clinic, want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Contact us anytime!
Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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