With the holidays come parties and visitors and potential dangers for pets.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Not every pet is a party animal. Make sure there’s somewhere quiet to escape the festivities.
• Keep an eye on tempting party food to avoid tummy distress and more serious problems.
• Shiny gifts, colorful ribbons, tinsel on the tree can be dangerous if ingested.
• Seasonal plants like poinsettia, pine trees, holly and mistletoe may also be toxic to pets.
• Sidewalk salt and ornaments made of salt dough can be life-threatening if consumed in quantity

 

The holiday season is also a busy time for travel. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends taking these precautions when traveling with your pet:

• Interstate and international travel regulations require you to bring a health certificate from your veterinarian – even if traveling by car.
• Pets in vehicles should always be safely restrained and should never be left alone in the car.
• Talk with your veterinarian first before considering air travel with your pet.
• Plan ahead to find veterinarians in the area you are visiting, in case of emergency.
• If you plan on using a boarding facility, talk with your veterinarian about how to protect your furry friend from canine flu and other contagious diseases.

And whether you are travelling or at home, make sure dogs and cats are wearing their ID tags at all times.  Holidays bring so many changes to a normal routine, and more opportunities to slip past guests, house sitters or unanticipatedly open doors.  Identification and pre-registered microchips are the best way to ensure a lost pet finds their way home quickly!

 

At Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, we provide low-cost vet services for hundreds of pets and their owners each year. But we can’t provide this essential, affordable care without your help. Please consider making a gift today to help a local pet family in need: