Creature Feature: Have A Happy And Pet-Safe Holiday

'Tis the season to be jolly . . . and very, very busy. For most of us humans, the hustle, bustle, and hyper-sociability of the holidays are a welcome distraction from the darkest days of winter, but to our pets these festive weeks are often, at the very least, stressful and, at worst, hazardous.

Boring as it may sound, animals like a routine. Experts state that a change from a pet's usual daily routine is an invitation to trouble. Unfortunately during these busy weeks finding time for the usual activities is often impossible.

All too often owners attempt to make up for spending less time with their pets during frenzied holiday preparations by indulging them in other ways. Feeling guilty about neglecting them, we attempt to include them in the festivities by sending some of our holiday meals their way.

Hold The Trimmings

Big mistake, says Dr. Claude Grosjean of Southampton's Olde Towne Animal Hospital. Any sudden change in an animal's diet can result in gastroenteritis, or worse.

"Unfortunately, what people usually give their animals are the trimmings, skin from poultry and fats from meats. These are highly fatty and fatty foods can cause pancreatis," he warns. A potentially life-threatening condition, pancreatis is most likely to strike middle-aged, overweight pets; dogs are more susceptible than cats.

Bones pose hazards as well. "The general rule is never feed chicken and pork bones," says Dr. Barry Browning of the South Fork Animal Hospital. "They splinter easily and can lodge inside the pet." This rule applies to feeding bones to cats as well as dogs. Even "safe" bones, such as beef bones, can take their toll, by causing the dog to have loose stools.

No Chocolate!

One of the very favorite indulgences of human beings, chocolates, is a very definite no-no for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance toxic to dogs. (There have been no documented cases of chocolate toxicity in cats. But whether it is because cats are immune to the effects of theobromine or because cats don't like the taste of chocolates so therefore don't gorge on it, the reason is not yet clear.)

Unsweetened baking chocolate, chocolate in its purest form, is far more toxic than milk chocolate and should always be kept well out of Fido's range. But even milk chocolate can cause problems. As can powdered cocoa, which Georgina Walker of East Hampton discovered to her horror when her dog Tess underwent a dramatic personality change after chewing her way into a can of Hershey's milk chocolate mix.

"She just went berserk!" states her owner. The normally sweet and responsive dog leaped out of her yard and ran wildly about the neighborhood. She failed to recognize her owners when they tracked her down and had to be confined to a small, darkened room until she regained her senses.

Self-Service

Dr. Dale Tarr of the East Hampton Veterinary Group explains that the theobromine in chocolate affects dogs as a stimulant. In fact, he relates, it also has an energizing effect on horses and at one time was the performance enhancer of choice at racetracks. (It's since been banned.) The antidote is Valium, which Tess quite obviously could have used!

Even if you sternly withhold excess treats, remember that many animals, canine animals in particular, will take matters into their own paws. Having survived thousands of years as scavengers, dogs don't see why they should stop now. Uncovered garbage cans and food left on counters are fair game for canines. (Cats, as hunters, rarely deign to raid the trash.)

"Dogs will eat anything," states Dr. Browning. Indeed they will; veterinarians have had to surgically remove such indigestible items as carving knives from the bellies of greedy canines.

Decorative Hazards

The holidays hold decorative as well as culinary hazards. Poinsettias are poisonous enough to cause death, but Dr. Tarr says reassuringly that an animal would have to consume close to one pound of leaves in order to obtain a lethal dose, "and that," he points out, "is a lot of poinsettia plants."

Holly berries and mistletoe are other traditional decorations of the season which can prove dangerous to pets. Fortunately, due to their bitter taste, animals don't relish them, but keeping them well out of reach is advised. As with poinsettias, the animal would have to consume quite a lot to become seriously ill, but even an exploratory nibble can result in discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. Safest of all, substitute silk or plastic versions.

Decorated Christmas trees can pose a threat. "Owners should utilize their common sense about allowing pets near the tree," advises Dr. Grosjean. Playful, hyperactive pets and young animals should not be left unattended around Christmas trees.

The Trouble With Tinsel

Trees decorated with lights present an array of electric cords which could spell trouble for puppies and older dogs that enjoy chewing on foreign objects. Unplug the tree when you can't supervise.

It is the seemingly innocuous tinsel or angel's hair that can provide the most holiday grief for pets. Some animals, particularly cats, have a peculiar desire to devour the stuff. Dr. Tarr warns that this can lead to considerable problems, explaining that the tinsel can saw through the animal's intestines as the intestines attempt to pass it.

Some species should never be allowed loose near a Christmas tree. "A ferret and a Christmas tree? That would be one hell of a mess!" muses Dr. Grosjean. With their highly inquisitive natures, their tendency to climb into things, and their irrepressible need to chew on everything that intrigues them, ferrets (and innocent bystanders) would be in considerable jeopardy around a Christmas tree.

Some Comforts Of Home

Parrot species are another creature that should enjoy the Christmas tree from afar, advises Dr. Grosjean. Shiny objects are irresistible to these birds, and, apart from broken shards of ornaments presenting a danger, many ornaments, particularly older ones, are painted with lead paints that could be toxic.

If all of the above is irrelevant because you are planning to travel during the holidays, remember that animals need to have current vaccinations to be accepted at boarding facilities. Bringing along an adequate supply of the pet's usual food can help reduce some of its stress.

"Boarding reservations are at a premium now," says Dr. Grosjean. Many local boarding facilities, such as Edge of the Pond Kennels, are already completely booked for the holiday season. Beth McManus of Kitty Care, a cat boarding facility, has some space left but it is likely to be taken up quickly. The pet sitter Patrice Gleasner of Perfect Pet Care says she's getting busier as the Christmas holidays approach. The time to make your reservation is now!