Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412230106
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KAREN L. DAVIS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Animal Protection Institute in Sacramento, Calif., has put together a brochure titled ``Safeguarding Your Pets for the Holiday Season'' that is filled with tips to ensure your pets' safety not only during the holidays, but also through the entire winter season.
The number one recommendation, of course, is to bring pets inside during cold weather whenever possible. Prolonged exposure to too-cold temperatures can result in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. This condition is most likely to occur when an animal gets wet. Therefore, if your pet must remain outdoors, make sure that it has a warm, dry shelter - preferably in a sunny area and facing away from the wind. Provide extra bedding in winter, but avoid using old rugs that can hold moisture and turn to ice. Instead, opt for deep straw or wood shavings. Hang an old carpet or heavy fabric over the dog house entrance to check drafts at the door.
Animals also can suffer from frostbite on their paws and ears. In addition, salts used to melt ice on roads and sidewalks can dry and crack the paws. After taking your dog for a walk, use a damp towel to wipe off its feet.
Make sure your pet's water supply remains fresh and unfrozen. The Animal Protection Institute warns against using a metal water bowl in winter, because a dog's tongue can stick to the freezing metal. Surviving winter requires extra calories, too, so animals that must stay outdoors need plenty of high-quality food to stay warm.
Accidental poisonings are a particular hazard around the holidays, because many people decorate with poinsettia, holly berries and mistletoe. These plants are toxic to animals and should be kept out of reach.
Baubles, bells and branches present an irresistible temptation to playful puppies and curious kittens. Cats especially love to play with and eat the tinsel that dangles from Christmas trees. While not toxic, the stringy foil strands can cause a serious intestinal blockage.
Chocolate is another deadly favorite when fed in excessive amounts. So if your dog has a penchant for this flavor, keep a tight lid on the candy dish.
In addition, some chemicals used to extend the life of a Christmas tree are lethal to pets, so either avoid these, or keep animals out of the decorated room.
Alcohol and pets definitely don't mix, although some people think it's funny to get their dogs drunk and watch them stumble around. While adult humans have enough body mass to absorb the alcohol's toxic effects, dogs and cats do not. Just a little ``hair of the dog'' is all that's required to affect an animal's breathing, cause shock and lead to death.
In case your guests get a little too intoxicated at a holiday party, put your pets away in a quiet part of the house while you entertain. This way, no one will accidently step on or stumble over them or be tempted to offer them potentially harmful party treats. Your pets will feel a lot more comfortable, too, if you give them a safe refuge from the unfamiliar noise and people.
Remember that traditional antifreeze is a sweet-tasting but highly toxic poison that kills after only a tiny amount is ingested. If you haven't already done so, switch to one of the safer antifreeze brands made from propylene glycol, instead of the lethal ethylene glycol.
Karen L. Davis is a Roanoke free-lance writer and pet owner.
by CNB