Keep your party animals away from holiday hazards

As you festoon the house for the holidays, take precautions to prevent your pets from becoming party poopers.

Every year, doctors at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine report a rise in the number of pets suffering from digestive discomfort and disease during the holidays.

For example, any small decoration or toy poses gastric hazard. If a child can choke on small toys or parts, so can the family pet. When a pet swallows toy batteries, the danger only intensifies from the Energizer’s acid content.

The additional electrical cords that power holiday decor increase the risk of electric shock. Singed paws and whiskers often result from unattended candles or sparklers.

Tinsel and ribbons are particularly enticing to cats. Unfortunately, in the digestive tract, the thin strands can twist into a rope and cause severe intestinal blockages that sometimes require surgery. Likewise, candy wrappers, aluminum foil or plastic wrap can lead to serious breathing and bowel blockages.

A pet merrily munching on poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and other ornamental live or synthetic plants may quickly suffer the effects of poisoning.

Even table food can cause gastroenteritis (an inflammation of the stomach and intestine) or pancreatitis. Both conditions cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and listlessness. Poultry or pork bones can get caught in the esophagus, stomach or intestine and lead to severe digestive problems. Grapes, raisins, onions, alcohol and chocolate are toxic and can cause acute kidney failure, anemia or seizures or fatal diseases.

As usual, prevention and vigilance are the best strategies. However, if you suspect a pet has swallowed something harmful or become injured in the midst of the revelry, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Since most offices are closed at certain times for the holidays, keep the closest animal emergency clinic’s telephone number nearby.

The following clinics will remains open 24-hours during the holidays:

LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Small Animal Clinic Emergency Room
1909 Skip Bertman Dr. (Map it!); 578-9600

Baton Rouge Pet Emergency Hospital
1514 Cottondale Dr. (Map it!); 925-5566

Sherwood South Emergency and Critical Care Center
3803 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. (Map it!); 293-7747

Comet (Pet ID #41870) is a hunky, 80-pound German shepherd. Despite his imposing stature, this three-year-old is a little scared of the noise and commotion at the shelter. His tail stays tucked and his huge, soulful eyes look beseechingly at anyone who stops by to talk to him. He perks up quickly once he’s on a walk, so the shelter staff thinks his spirit rebound quickly once he’s in a loving home. The presence of another friendly dog seems to relax Comet, when he’s out walking. So, he might enjoy a home with a canine companion. Comet would benefit from a positive-method obedience class to boost his self-esteem and build his trust. He’s a magnificent dog who wants very much to please.

Scarlett (Pet ID #35372) is a two-year-old female Abyssinian mix. Besides raising her own litter of kittens, she was a great surrogate mom to another litter. This little flirt likes children and other cats; but, she really loves men. While this charming Southern belle appreciates the hospitality of her foster family, she is ready for a home of her own.

Jubilee (foster) is an adorable mid-sized terrier mix.

Mona (Pet ID #39278) smiles as much as her namesake, Mona Lisa. While she is somewhat coy upon first meeting new people, the pretty-as-a-picture feline soon becomes a lap cat. This beautiful dilute calico is also quite independent. Low-maintenance Mona would be perfect for a family who appreciates a gorgeous, walking work of art.

Everyone at the shelter is pretty sure Hyde (Pet ID # 40893) will one day grow into his huge helicopter ears. Either way, this cute little beagle/Jack Russell mix puppy is well suited to listen intently and learn everything he needs to know to be a good canine companion.

Simba (Pet ID #39320) is nice young adult orange tabby. A little bit of play, a little bit of love, and a nice warm home are all this cutie craves.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Companion Animal Alliance. For more information, click here.