Last week we presented holiday safety tips for pets. This week, Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, of VCA Animal Hospitals writes from a veterinarian’s perspective about possible hazards in certain holiday pet gifts.
Some well-intentioned gift-givers may not recognize that toys with small parts or certain rawhide chews or treats are dangerous or unhealthy for pets.
Examine all holiday gifts to make sure they are safe. Avoid giving your pet small toys or toys with small parts that could be chewed off. Avoid toys with squeakers or rattles inside because some pets will tear these toys apart and eat the center, possibly causing intestinal obstruction.
Avoid non-nutritious treats. Read the label for ingredients before giving your pet a new treat. Many commercially available treats are poorly nutritious and filled with or coated with sugars (e.g., corn syrup, molasses, fructose, etc.), artificial colorings or flavorings and do nothing to satisfy hunger. Be wary of very colorful treats or bones with a sticky gooey coating…they are probably loaded with “empty” ingredients to make them desirable to your pet, but have very little nutritional value.
Do not give a pet as a gift. Although this seems like the perfect festive gift, it should be avoided. The holidays are not ideal for introducing a new pet into a family. New pets require a stable environment and plenty of extra attention and time to bond with their new family. The bustle and travel associated with the holidays does not provide the sort of environment a new pet needs to succeed with a new family. If a new pet is part of the family plan, give a variety of pet toys or books on pet care.
Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, is a board-certified veterinary internist who has practiced at several leading institutions, including the Animal Medical Center and Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City and the University of California, Davis. Dr. Spector completed her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. A member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), she has written and lectured extensively on topics including nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure and respiratory disease. Dr. Spector is widely recognized for her role as consulting veterinarian to HALO, Purely for Pets, her TV appearance with Ellen DeGeneres, and her widely quoted advice in print and on radio. She currently works in Chicago, performing independent, clinical and internal medicine consultations.
Category : Blog
