It’s Christmas time, the Season of goodwill and reflection. So, today we will remove ourselves from the usual stodgy issues of diseases and their cures. Instead we’ll engage a bit on aspects of the human-animal bond and how we, as caregivers, can and should treat our companion animals during this Festive Season.
• During this Season of fun and food, we might be tempted to let our pets share in the bounty that is on our table. Bad idea! Lots of the spices contained in our Christmas foods (Pepperpot, Curries, Garlic Pork/Beef, Spanish Rice, turkey stuffings, etc.) can create an allergic reaction/digestive disorder in our pets.
Dogs and cats don’t know its Christmas. For them it is just another day. So, there is no reason to take your pet off of it’s normal day-to-day diet and consequently shocking it’s digestive system with “foreign”, unaccustomed foods. No chocolates, no black cake laced with alcohol, no sweets and fatty foods. I know how tempting it is to succumb to the hypnotizing eyes of your pets. You just cannot give them a “deserving” (?) treat. Caregivers must be strong of will, and not give in to the pets’ enticing mewing/barking at the side of the table. I, myself, recognize that this is easier said than done.
• Also, currently, we have fairy lights and attractive ornaments and tinsel hanging on the Christmas tree and around all over the house. For inquisitive young puppies, these attractions are an invitation for a disaster. The hanging glass bulbs can break and injure the cat or dog seriously. The materials from which the ornaments are made can create severe gastro-intestinal upsets, if ingested. Frayed electrical wires can cause instant death, if they are bitten into. The broken shards can cut the animal and create much hemorrhage.
• Most cats and dogs are terrified of explosive noises. Humans too, I dare say. Consequently, you should tell your neighbours to desist from exploding squibs or firecrackers in the vicinity of your pet. During recent times, the activities of the Police and Customs officials may be, to a large degree, responsible for the reduction of explosions all over Guyana.
If it is necessary to placate your pet, your vet may administer tranquilisers. You may keep your pet indoors and offer it an extra amount of TLC, thus fortifying its self-confidence/fearlessness.
• Don’t purchase toys for the dog/cat which he/she can swallow or shred easily. Look on the label to see if the toy is made from a non-toxic material. If in doubt, check with your vet.
• If you decide to take a holiday which results in your leaving home for a long period, please make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your pet, preferably long before your departure.
You may wish to contact one of the many existing Animal Humane Societies; many of them have appropriate/adequate “hotel” facilities. Don’t ever leave extra food around, which you hope will cover the short period of your absence, unless it is dry dog food stored in a functional dispenser.
Finally, check with your veterinarian to see if and when he or she will be around, in case of an emergency. The vet might have changed the normal Clinic opening hours during Christmas.
You get the general idea.
Have a wonderful Festive Season. Spend some more time with your wards. Reinforce the ties that bind.
