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Vol 8 No 4
Features in this Issue:
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Holiday Hazards
The turning of the leaves and cooler temperatures signal the passage of time; soon our Goldens will be rolling in the snow (not too much of it we hope!) and the holiday season will be upon us. Although the holidays are a wonderful time to relax and spend time with family and friends, be aware of some potential problems that our dogs may face over the next few months.
By the time you read this, there may actually still be some Halloween candy left over in your house! We all know that chocolate is toxic to dogs; the key ingredient that poses the problem is theobromine. The good news is that it takes a fairly large dose of theobromine to cause a serious problem, but even smaller quantities ingested can create digestive problems. Dogs, like people, are unlikely to stop at just one piece of chocolate! – so take the time to keep candy and chocolate treats safely out of harm’s way. Keep in mind that the wrappers that the candy came in will be equally attractive to your dog, and although there may only be minute quantities of chocolate left, eating plastic or foil wrappers can create serious blockages in your dog.
Similarly, keep track of what you’ve done with containers, wrappers, or strings used to prepare your favorite holiday meal. They all smell delicious to our dogs, but can wreak havoc in the intestines. And while your dog knows that you are a terrific cook and will turn on the charm and intensity of those big brown eyes, resist the urge to share your leftovers with your dog. Foods that taste great to us may be too rich in fats for a dog, causing bouts of diarrhea at best and prompting a serious bout of pancreatitis at worst.
Finally, although the autumn weather and spectacular foliage make for a great time to be out with our dogs, we need to remember that we live in the heart of an area where Lyme disease is common in pets and people alike. The ticks that carry the Lyme bacteria are fond of hiding in fallen leaves, so it is easy to pick up one or two as you stroll through. Take the time to examine yourself and your dog for any ticks after you’ve been outside, before the ticks have a chance to attach themselves to you. Talk to your vet about the possibility of using a topical treatment to help your dog resist being bothered by ticks.
Enjoy the great fall weather! – and our early holiday greetings to you and yours.