Pets, gifts and the holidays - three things that don't go well together!
Who hasn't experienced the pressure of the holiday season where we want everything to be perfect? The supervision of our four-legged companions who become anxious and feverish with all the activities, meals to prepare for the guests, gifts to buy often at the last minute, situations that, unfortunately, we are in a hurry and that lead us to lack perspective and to make compulsive purchases.
Adopting or buying a pet is a long-term commitment
A compulsive purchase such as a sweater that is not appreciated by the person who receives it as a gift can be fixed. On the other hand, a pet that is given as a gift has major consequences. It is not a consumer item that can be easily disposed of. Adopting an animal can be a joyful moment for the whole family, but it is an important decision that must be duly thought out before being made. I would add that giving a pet at Christmas to someone who is not expecting it, who is not ready for such a big responsibility and who does not want a pet, has serious consequences.
We cannot repeat it enough, a pet is a lifetime responsibility! After the surprise of finding a puppy or kitten decorated with a ribbon under the Christmas tree, reality strikes. Moreover, a young dog or cat will live 15 years or more and represents a significant cost for its owner. In addition to the time and organization it takes to care for it, food, veterinary fees and other costs can be an unpleasant surprise for the unexpected recipient of the gift. According to Marie-Christine Daignault (content manager, Coopmoi, Mouvement Desjardins) the lifetime cost of a pet is between 40 000$ and 55 000$ CN.
Sous-titre
Added to these future expenses is the bad timing of the holiday season. Indeed, the preparation of meals, family reunions and trips here and there to visit relatives make the introduction of a young companion during this period an unfavorable moment. In addition, the hustle and bustle, overeating and the presence of many people can make it even more difficult to acclimate and train a pet in its new home. Furthermore, children cannot be responsible owners and once the excitement of the new "toy" wears off, it is up to the parents to take care of training, cleaning, walking and other pet-related responsibilities.
It should be noted that every year, about a month after the holidays, shelters are overwhelmed with the return of "gifts" purchased on a whim. These gifts put shelters in a state of crisis where they struggle to care for all the residents who need care, walks and attention. Due to lack of space and resources, some shelters become so full that they have no choice but to euthanize the excess animals... It's a sad reality for these animals who will end their short lives in a cage because they had the misfortune of being given as unwanted gifts. And what about the veterinary team that has to proceed to their euthanasia.
Others may end up on the street because unfortunately some owners don't bother to bring the animals they don't want to the shelter. These animals are abandoned on the street, in parks or other places and they have to face various dangers: hunger, cold, diseases, attacks by other animals or the risk of car accidents.
Animals, stuffed animals and decorations, what a headache!
During the holiday season, one in four Canadians find themselves in the position of having to take their pet to the vet on an emergency basis. To prevent this holiday season from turning into a disaster and to prevent emergency visits to our veterinarian.
Holiday foods and drinks
Alcohol
Alcohol is a dangerous substance for pets, so keep drinks and bottles out of reach at all times. Signs of intoxication include vomiting, wobbly gait, depression and/or a drop in body temperature. If alcohol ingestion is suspected, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Chocolate
Milk chocolate is much less dangerous than dark chocolate for animals. It is the level of theobromine that makes chocolate more or less toxic. The signs are: thirst, vomiting, agitation and trembling, but sometimes also weakness and depression. In severe cases, heart problems can be noted.
Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are toxic to our small animals. Let's be vigilant.
Poultry Bones
Sharp poultry bones such as turkey bones can fracture and become lodged in the throat or further down the digestive tract. Never give them to our dogs and cats.
Table scraps
Our pets are like Houdinis! They are on our counters, tables and garbage cans as soon as we turn our backs. We must therefore keep our table scraps and garbage cans out of reach of our pets as soon as possible.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, confectionery, baked goods and supermarket products that can cause liver disease or even liver failure.
Dangerous holiday plants
Artificial Christmas tree or not
With its needles, balls and small decorations that can be swallowed, Christmas trees are particularly dangerous for our cats. The shiny tinsel is very attractive to our pets, but it can cause blockages in the intestines. Also, the electrical cords from Christmas lights can shock, burn or electrocute a pet if they bite them. Natural Christmas tree water can also be harmful if drunk by anyone.
Mistletoe
More rare here in Quebec celebrations, mistletoe creates an acute irritation of the digestive tract when eaten. Also the whole body of the animal is affected: decrease of the heart rate, decrease of the temperature, breathing difficulties, imbalance, excessive thirst and sometimes epileptic seizures, coma and death.
Holly
The absorption of this plant commonly causes signs such as digestive disorders and nervous system depression. This plant has the same toxic components as chocolate (caffeine, theobromine).
Poinsettia
The whole plant is toxic. Its ingestion often produces mild to moderate digestive disorders: excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. If we suspect that our pet has chewed or eaten something unusual it is best to call our veterinarian immediately and he will explain what to do.
Conclusion
To make our holiday season memorable, let's avoid adopting or giving away a pet during this period. Also, let's make sure that decorations, wrappers and dangerous foods are out of reach of our pets' mouths. Let's also make this magical time as stress-free as possible for us and our pets.
