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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2006)
Page 28 The INDEPENDENT, December 21, 2006 Ten tips offered on keeping pets safe during holiday festivities Here are 10 ways to keep your pets safe during all of the holiday festivities: • The New Pet. Holidays are not the best time to introduce a new pet to the household. All the excitement, noise and devi- ation from the normal routine could make it difficult for a new pet — and any existing pets — to make the adjustment. • Pets as Gifts. Consider se- riously the choice to give a pet as a gift. One of the main rea- Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season sons animals are abandoned or taken to shelters is because they are unwanted. Don’t con- tribute to this situation by giving a pet to someone who may not want it or be able to care for it. If you do choose to give a pet as a gift, allow the recipient(s) to select the pet so they can find one that is right for them. • Treats and Chocolate. Keep holiday treats and can- dies out of your pet’s reach as they can make your pet quite Delemos Equipment Repair Heather Lewis, LMT • 503-429-4677 847 Madison Avenue, Vernonia, OR Lic # 10732 We Repair Diesels Big & Small Pickups, Log Trucks and Heavy Equipment For Service Call 503-429-4074 Kevin 503-803-5572 or Al 503-913-6838 17240 Noakes Rd.,Vernonia, Oregon Meyer’s Auto Body B ecause the good will of those we serve is the foundation of our success, it’s a real pleasure at this holiday time to say “Thank you.” 503-429-0248 493 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064 sick. Chocolate, particularly bit- tersweet and baking chocolate, can be toxic to dogs. If your dog eats chocolate, call your veterinarian or an animal poi- son control center immediately: ASPCA’s Poison Control Hot- line (888-426-4435, $55 fee) or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213- 6680, $35 fee). • Leftovers. Don’t feed your pet holiday turkey or chicken, as the small bones or frag- ments can lodge in the throat, stomach, or intestinal tract. At the very least, too much human food may give your pet an up- set stomach. • Guests. Pets can become overexcited, confused or fright- ened by holiday guests. Keep pets in a quiet part of the house. When guests are over, watch for open doors and make sure your pets have ID tags on them in case they do get out. Remind guests that your nor- mally friendly pet may want to be left alone. • Tree. Make sure your tree is well secured. Avoid adding preservatives, aspirin or sugar to your tree’s water, or keep the water covered. Tidy up around your tree and wreaths as sharp pine needles can puncture your pet if ingested. • Decorations. Sharp or breakable ornaments and drei- dels should be kept out of reach of pets, as should tinsel, string, and ribbon. If your pet in- gests any of these items, it could experience serious inter- nal injuries, or worse. Light strands, loose wires and elec- tric cords can be a serious haz- ard to your pet, especially pup- pies, who may chew them. • Plants. Mistletoe and holly are poisonous and should be kept out of reach of pets. If eat- en, poinsettia plants can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. A list of other poisonous plants can be found at http://www.ore- gonvma.org/petowners/plants. asp. • Candles. Never leave can- dles unattended, especially around puppies and kittens. • Stress. The holidays can be a stressful time for every- one, even your pets. Even though your routine might change, try to keep your pets on their normal routine of feed- ing and exercise. The Oregon Veterinary Med- ical Association is a nonprofit organization of veterinarians who are dedicated to helping people give their animals a high quality of life.
