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Christmas Hazards

Christmas is coming, with all its bells and smells. Who doesn't enjoy the preparation for this glorious season? Well, cats with asthma for one. Yes, cats can get allergies and the Christmas season is full of incense, pine trees, fake snow, not to mention the moth ball scent from all the items retrieved from storage. Many cats can be low grade asthmatics over the year but with the increase in scents, this season can put them over the edge and cause a full blown asthmatic attack.

These attacks can come up very suddenly, and with very little warning. The most significant sign that you may see is open mouth breathing. Your cat may be lying down with his head between the front paws; there may be drooling and panting as well. If you see this happening, call your vet immediately, as this is an extreme emergency. If administered early, medications and oxygen can open the airways and allow normal breathing to resume. For your cat, reducing the number of airborne smells is probably a good idea. If you have any doubts, your vet can perform some tests to see if your snuffling kitty does have asthma and the necessary preventive measures can be taken.

A Suggested Christmas Gift

A perfect gift for Christmas for your pet is very, very small. In fact it''s about the size of a grain of rice. It's a Microchip. This tiny little device is a life saver. Last week we had a classic example of how it could have saved a dog 12 hours of pain and discomfort. The dog had been picked up by the police as a stray and the owners were not able to be found until several hours after it had been hit by a car. With a quick scan, your pet can be identified and you can be notified if your loved one has wandered. It is implanted under the skin by a simple injection, a small price to pay for a lifetime of protection.

Just a Reminder

Christmas season does have a few holiday hazards to watch for. Poinsettas are toxic (despite what the florist may say). Chocolates are delicious, but dangerous to all pets. Tinsel tangles -- especially on cat''s tongues, holly and mistletoe berries are not the safest toy for cats despite how nicely they roll. Christmas turkey is not for dogs (especially the bones). And ribbons and angel hair decorations should not be eaten (listen up cats!!).

January 29, 2009

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