Unleashed: Keep your party animals away from holiday hazards

As you festoon the house for 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 energizers’ 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, seizures or fatal diseases.

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 close for the holiday, 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 Drive (578-9600).
Baton Rouge Pet Emergency Hospital, 1514 Cottondale Drive (925-5566).
Sherwood South Emergency and Critical Care Center, 3803 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. (293-7747).

Creature Feature
If you’re considering giving a hound a forever home this holiday, Friends of the Animals has many cuddly canines available for adoption including:

Blitzen may not be the red-nosed leader of herd, but he’s bright, beautiful and eager-to-please. This delightful 6-month-old pup weighs in at a modest 23 pounds. In addition, he has some of the softest fur you’ve ever laid your hands upon. Blitzen loves every creature great and small, so there’s no problem if a potential adopter has either cats or other dogs. For more information, contact his foster at 205-9330.

Dash is a precious 8-month-old spaniel/papillion mix. This 14-pound, active puppy loves everyone. He does well on a leash and is working on becoming housebroken. He’s very attentive and smart, so he should learn all of his doggie manners quickly with continued training. Dash is just a fun, sweet little dog who loves to play and to snuggle. He will be a wonderful addition to any family.

Pearl is a tiny terrier puppy, who will grow to be a medium sized dog. Sweet and energetic, this little girl will require a family with the time and patience to teach her how to be great canine companion.

Mickey is an active 2-year-old blue heeler mix. He loves to stay busy, walking, running or just being your loyal companion throughout the day. This bright-eyed boy recently weighed in at a compact—and tail-less—29 pounds. This fabulous working dog is still new to foster care, so please contact Mickey’s foster for more information at [email protected] or by text at 964-0886.

Holly GoLightly is a one-year-old shepherd mix, who is bundle of joy with a winning disposition. Despite having lost her left eye due to a congenital defect, this happy-go-lucky girl is bouncy, bubbly and full of fun. Holly adores playing with people of all ages and other dogs. Of course, like all youngsters, Holly needs regular exercise and lots of attention to remain happy and healthy.

Figgy is a highly sociable and fun-loving 3-year-old beagle. This easy-going guy is still new to foster care, but Figgy’s foster already reports that he is a big-time lap dog and a total sweetheart. For more information, email his foster at [email protected].

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Friends of the Animals.