The skanner., December 07, 2016, Page Page 9, Image 9

December 7, 2016 The Skanner Page 9
News
Surviving the Holidays: What You Should Know
By Dr. Jasmine Streeter
Special to The Skanner
B
oyz II Men’s “Let it Snow” has been
playing on repeat in my head with
intermittent interruptions of Nat
King Cole’s “The Christmas Song”
and Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby” since
Thanksgiving evening. Yes, I’m a suck-
er for the holidays and consequently,
so are my pets. Many families include
their fur babies into their holiday tra-
ditions. Here are my personal tips to
survive and thrive this season.
According to the Agricultural Mar-
keting Resource Center’s 2013 report,
Oregon is the No. 1 ranked Christmas
tree farm grower in the USA. In that
year alone, production of trees ex-
ceeded 4.9 million. This means there
is a likely chance your pet may come in
contact with a Christmas tree or two.
Making sure trees, artifi cial or real, are
correctly mounted is imperative for
preventing pets from knocking them
over. Choosing soft er varieties like fi r
or cedar should be considered for vi-
sion impaired or curious pets that may
accidentally brush or explore under
them.
“
avoided or kept out of
reach. If ingestion of
these plants does occur,
contact your veterinar-
ian as soon as possible
to determine the best
treatment. A wonderful
Consider creating a quiet relaxing
‘down time’ space for your little ones
Decorations such as lights, small or-
naments, tinsel and garlands should
never be left in spaces with unattended
pets. Young animals, indiscriminate
eaters and bored pets are the most at
risk for strangulation, choking, or elec-
trocution.
Screens should be placed in front of
active fi replaces to prevent burns or
accidental fi res.
Plants such as poinsettia and mis-
tletoe are toxic to pets and should be
alternative for foliage
lovers is artifi cial plants.
This will keep poisonous Dr. Jasmine’s cat Soleil and dog Sheba in front of their Christmas tree
plant ingestion to a min-
Visiting relatives should be informed
imum and still provide
prior
to their arrival of the number and
beautiful décor for any season.
species
of your pets to avoid surprises.
If your Muhdea will be throwing
Discourage
visiting family and friends
down in the kitchen, keep high fat
from
bringing
unvaccinated, sick, im-
foods or raw meats, fi sh or egg prod-
ucts out of reach, which can produce munocompromised, or aggressive pets
fatal disease like Salmonella poisoning into your home to prevent exposure
or pancreatitis.
See HOLIDAYS on page 11
3 1 s t A nnual
Martin
Luther
King, Jr.
BREAKFAST
Tickets on sale at www.theskanner.com/mlk-breakfast-tickets
January 16, 2017 8:30am - 10:30am
Hilton Portland Grand Ballroom, 921 SW 6th Ave., Portland, OR
#SKBreakfast
sponsors:
H