As we bring in the new year with food, fireworks, and festivities galore, let us not forget that it may not be quite as enjoyable for our four-legged friends.
Fireworks and Party Noise
Some pets, both dogs and cats alike, become nervous or scared to the point where they may hide under your bed or run around and pace like crazy. There are a few easy things you can try at home to help ease their anxiety. Does your pet like classical piano or a little smooth jazz? Well you can find out by turning on some soft music and moving your pet to a room that dampens the party noise and fireworks. Sometimes, they just need a quiet place to escape and relax. By now most people have heard of anxiety vests, but even a snuggly fit T-shirt or baby onesie can do the trick too! Chances are that if your pet has had a bad experience with loud noises before, you have tried the simple tricks and are reading this to find out what we at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital can do for you. The most relaxing option for you four-legged friend may be medications that help with anxiety. Meeting with our many doctors, including our board-certified veterinary behaviorist, we can work as a team to determine the best anti-anxiety solution for your individual pet’s needs. Just remember, what may work best for one pet in your household may not be the best solution for your other pet, so reach out to us before grabbing Fluffy’s medications for Fido. Above all, if your pet is anxious over the beautiful light and sound display, keep them indoors while you enjoy the holiday.
Good Eats and Savory Treats
While enjoying those appetizers and beverages during the New Year’s Party, do not forget that what is tasty to us may not be so tummy-friendly for our pets. Beverage of choice: alcohol (if you’re an adult), but did you know that this can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and neurologic issues. We would rather you enjoy your party, than spend your evening with us treating your pet for depression, tremors, and difficulty breathing. The chocolates and nuts leftover from the holidays could have you cleaning up more GI (gastrointestinal) issues as well. Don’t forget the dips for those pretzels and chips! Most of these dips available contain onions and/or garlic, which can cause diarrhea, but also red blood cell damage. The favorite finger food, chicken-wings, seems like the safest of the options you have available to share with your four-legged friend, however the potential for choking and obstruction on the bones is all that real. The salty snacks are never ending, and neither will your pet’s thirst. The sodium in these foods can lead to dehydration, sodium poisoning, and seizures. Before you feed your pet anything that may be appetizing to you, just remember some of these concerns. Just a friendly reminder, that while food items can be dangerous to your pet, so can some non-food items as well. Some of the more curious pets may be interested in those fireworks (before and after they have been set off). Fireworks contain a variety chemicals and heavy metals that can be quite toxic. If by chance your pet gets these by accident, we will be here for you to call or visit!
Author: Dr. Marissa Burns