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NEW YEARS EVE SAFETY TIPS

 

Protect your Pet from the New Years Eve Celebration.  If you are planning a New Years Party in your home the SPCA makes a few suggestions:

For most housebound dogs and cats, the house is their whole world.  Bringing in unfamiliar people and adding strange decorations, strange food, drink, noise makers and gaiety, turns your pet’s environment upside down.  And you’ll likely get barking, biting, digestive upsets and worse.  During the party, keep a comfortable and familiar bed your pet knows in a quiet part of the house, and check up on them so they don’t feel neglected, or leave your pet(s) at a familiar friend or relative’s house.

Some people think it’s funny to get their dogs drunk.  As anyone who has had too much to drink can tell you, alcohol is a potent drug.  While adult humans may have the body mass to adjust to alcohol’s effects, dogs don’t.  Alcohol can affect your dog’s breathing, put him into shock, and even cause his system to shut down.  Avoid tragedy.  Don’t mix pets and alcohol.

Nothing frightens pet’s more than sudden loud noises.  Extra attention must be given so your pets won’t run away in a panic.  Scared, running pets can be hit by cars, cause accidents, and become lost...not to mention, frequently bite people.

Other tips for your New Year’s Celebration include:

* Make sure all fences and gates are secure.

* Make sure your pet has its ID or dog license.

* Ask your veterinarian for tranquilizers if your animal has shown signs of extreme uneasiness in the past.

Remember, if your pet does become lost during the holiday please drop by the Shelter as soon as possible.  For more information contact the Central California SPCA Education Department at (559) 233-0115.

 

 

 

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HOLIDAY & WINTER HAZARDS


HOLIDAY HAZARDS

Be extra alert to the dangers that holiday decorations pose. Don't punish your pets for their curiosity, but supervise them closely. "Pet proof" your home and avoid these hazards:

• Cats & kittens can break their limbs by falling out of Christmas trees.
• Chewing on electrical wires can cause serious mouth burns as well as severe problems from electric shock.
• Breakable ornaments and "angel hair" - which is actually spun glass - can cause severe cuts in the mouth and esophagus, which may require surgery.
• Poinsettias and the berries of holly & mistletoe are toxic to pets.
• Pets are not "party animals" - giving alcohol to helpless creatures to get a laugh is cruel, and it can result in serious gastronintestinal problems.
• Turkey & chicken bones should never be given to pets - they splinter easily and can cause choking or internal ruptures. Watch for gagging or retching.
• String used to secure roasted turkey or ham can be very tempting to pets. If eaten, the string may cause serious intestinal problems requiring life-saving surgery. be sure all strings & netting are disposed of properly.
• Chocolate is toxic to pets, even in small amounts. It contains a substance which can cause vomitting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures and disorientation.
• Do not give aspirin, Tylenol or any painkillers to a pet unless under the advice of a vet - they can be lethal.

WINTER HAZARDS

When temperatures fall, your pet needs a little extra care. Cold weather and wind chill can threaten a pet's life. Here are some very important tips:

• Be aware of the cold when you take your pet outdoors, especially if it's young, old or short-haired. Short-coated dogs may need a sweater during walks.
• An outdoor dog needs an elevated, dry dog house with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out. You might want to consider a dog door to the garage with a soft cushion in the warmest corner.
• Warm vehicle engines attract cats. Bang on your vehicle's hood to scare away cats before you start the engine.
• Antifreeze tastes sweet to animals, but it is a deadly poison! Make sure animals can't get access to antifreeze around or under your car, nor in storage areas around the garage or house. If your vehicle has a leak, get it repaired immediately, especially if you park it where animals have access. Use a funnel when adding antifreeze and mop up any spills.
• Outdoor dogs need more calories in winter to produce body heat, so increase the amount you feed your pet, being careful not to overfeed. Indoor dogs may require less food in the winter months if they get less exercise.

E-mail the CC/SPCA Education Department or call  233-0115 if you have any questions.

For Shelter questions call 233-SPCA.