The Holidays are here!
Lets talk about nutrition, treats, toxins, decor
and other harmful holiday hazzards
Winter months and holidays generally mean colder weather, large gatherings, more indoor activities, less exercise and an increase of exposure to tasty food and holiday goodies - for both humans and our furry friends!
These combinations usually result in an increase of calories eaten as well as a less active lifestyle. Not only that but during these festive times there is a much larger risk that our beloved pets can be exposed to, and get into various decor, treats and plants. This can have a significant effect on the health of our pets!
Weight gain during the winter months is a problem for everybody including dogs and cats. Some people think that because its the holiday's, its 'OK' to splurge on treats and snacks because their pets will lose the weight in the warmer months. This is a bad mindset to get into! Its important to remember that like us, our pets need to maintain a healthy weight through counting calories, watching treats, and getting plenty of exercise and fun activites to keep them active during these often sedentary months.
Some things that you can do to help your pet from packing on the 'winter fat' is to increase exercise and play activities indoors with your pets, decreasing food and treats given, and measureing the food they do get with a standard 8 oz. measuring cup while following the feeding guidelines on their pets food bag and making sure that their animal is getting their recommended carlories. A good way to visually make sure your pet is keeping trim and fit is to check its body condition score. Click here to go to Purina's website to view their body condition score chart.
Another problem that adds to our pets gaining weight is that during the holidays its easy to slip Fido a piece of turkey or a chunk of cookie. Little do most people know that this seemingly harmless gesture can lead to a huge increase in calories for your pet. It is estimated that a single oatmeal cookie for a dog is the equivalent of a hamburger for a human and one ounce of cheese for a cat is like a person eating four chocolate bars.
Feeding pets people food can also open the door to many health problems such as pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea. As many of the foods we eat are too fatty and greasy for our pets to properly digest.
Another important fact to keep in mind is that there are many foods that we as humans enjoy that are very harmful to our pets!Common foods that are Toxic to pets
- Avocados
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee and Caffine (all forms)
- Onions and Onion powder
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcoholic beverages
- Salt
- Fatty foods
- Raw yeast dough
- Gum
- Candies
- Any foods sweetened with xylitol
- Tea leaves
People food isn't the only thing that can be dangerous for our furry friends as we celebrate the season. During the holidays it is very common for us to decorate our homes with flashing lights, garland, shiny tinsel and beautiful plants that help us create the perfect festive mood. We often forget however, how curious and mischeiveious our pets can be and this can lead to exposure to other toxins and hazzards.Common plants that are Toxic to pets
- Poinsettia
- Yew
- Christmas Rose
- Holly
- Lilies (any type)
- Iris
- English Ivy
- Mistletoe
- Hydrangea
- Tulip
- Wisteria
- Aloe
- Lupine
- Peace Lily
Please visit the ASPCA website for a complete list of poisonous plants.Other common holiday hazzards to your pet
- Bread twist ties
- Batteries
- Buttons
- Coins
- Ribbons
- Fire salts
- De-icing salts
- Christmas tree water
- Plastic wrap
- Lighter fluids
- Cold and flu medication
- Rubber bands
- Tinsel
- Candles
- Bones (any)
- Hot containers
- Ornaments
- Decoration hooks
- Styrofoam
- Nylons
- Oven cleaner spray
- Tobacco products
- Hair pins
- Antifreeze
It's always important to keep in mind during the holiday season to watch pets while they are around decorations, presents under the tree, counters or tables with food and treats on them as well as knowing where they are when family and guests come to visit so they can't escape out open doors.Our staff members would be happy to answer any questions about keeping your pet safe during the holiday season as well as tips on keeping them active and trim during the winter months.
Please don't hesitate to ask!
Have a happy and safe holiday season from us here at the Alexandria Veterinary Clinic
Helpful Links:
ASPCA website
Purina's body condition score chart
Alexandria Veterinary Clinic PetCare Center
Phone: 320-762-8112
710 Third Ave. West
Alexandria, MN 56308
Toll Free: 800-642-6263
Fax: 320-762-8044Click here to view previous newletters
To learn more about the many services we offer, click here
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