Mary Allen
In the hustle and bustle of preparing for the festival, we often overlook the risks that lurk around the Christmas tree and New Year’s Eve for our pets.
The Christmas splendor glitters in the candlelight, the smell of roasting wafts through the house, and bowls of pastries and sweets tempt you to snack – but not just us humans: cats are after the treats too. They sense that this is a very special time and there could be some very special bites for them. And who can resist the hypnosis of cat eyes or a cat’s head caressing their legs – especially at Christmas. Of course, there is nothing wrong with giving the cat a piece of smoked salmon. But it’s all too easy to underestimate the amount that comes together.
For Rewards Prefer Special Snacks
The main problem with holiday foods is that they are usually too salty and too high in fat for animals. This not only creates problems in overweight animals but can also burden digestion and go to the pancreas and liver. Meat from poultry, beef and game or fish is the safest, but the motto applies here too: only give small portions. Because pure meat contains too few carbohydrates and minerals, it cannot replace conventional food. Poultry bones are particularly dangerous, as they can splinter and lead to constipation or even intestinal injuries. So it is better to detach the pieces before they go into the food bowl. Chocolate isn’t without its dangers either: it contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and, in large amounts, even death in pets. Special reward bites are much better, but you should make sure that they are labeled as “complete food”. This means that they contain everything that the animal needs and do not cause any damage to health even if they are only given. Of course, you then have to deduct the ration of snacks from the daily portion.
Risky Christmas Decorations
However, dangers do not only lurk on the Christmas table: tinsel, Christmas tree decorations, and gift ribbons often have an irresistible attraction, especially for cats. They play with it, pull at it, and may eat parts of it. This can lead to intestinal obstruction, an acute emergency: the cat vomits, no longer eats, and no longer defecates. Her condition is deteriorating and she needs to be taken to the vet immediately. So keep your animals away from sources of danger, don’t leave them alone with the decorated tree, and put away the wrapping paper and ribbons. Poisoning from plants such as poinsettia or conifers is just as dangerous. So stop your cat from gnawing and offer it cat grass as an alternative. Other sources of danger are the water in the Christmas tree stand, scented oil, lead figures, burning candles, and sparklers: things you should protect your pet from.
Before the holidays and at the turn of the year, also remember that some holidays follow one another. So it’s a good idea to keep a small supply of pet food and emergency medication. You should also have the vaccination papers updated before the holidays – in case a temporary accommodation in a kennel should become necessary during the Christmas holiday.