The Trouble with TUCKER
HO! HO! HO! - I’m the reason for the season!
tree-water, a mesh fabric or screen should be used making the contents inaccessible. The chemicals often contain pesticides, fertilizers and other preservatives, such as aspirin, to extend the tree’s life.
“This is the best season of the whole year— loads of food, fun and festivities. After Thanksgiving the Christmas tree appears and is hastily adorned with colorful ornaments, bows and ribbon, tinsel and little white lights (or toys for play). Then the presents be- gin to appear under the tree (all for me to tear into when no one is looking). The en- tire house takes on the holiday spirit. From the fireplace mantle, stair-well, windows and walls are hung wreaths, garlands, candles and plants (more great stuff for exploration). Relatives and friends stop by to share in the holiday spirit. It’s best when they bring their puppies so that I have a companion to share all this great stuff and wonderful food. Life is fantastic during the holidays, however, my Mom always cautions that along with all the good comes some potential dangers.” Un- fortunately, many unsuspecting hazards that are harmless to people present safety con- cerns to our family pets.
“Now, Tucker, once again it’s time to review the holiday do’s and don’ts. We want to end the year on a good note so that we are ready to fulfill our New Year resolutions.”
“The Christmas tree and decorations are only for gazing upon!” Whether the tree is arti- ficial or living, it needs to be well secured so that the athletic cat that enjoys exercis- ing by climbing up the branches, and dogs, that playfully push or jump on the tree, do not knock it over. The Pine needles that fall onto the ground should be removed daily. If ingested the sharp ends can cause serious irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
“The tree stand that holds the water to pre- serve the live tree is not a water bowl!” In cases where preservatives are added to the
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“Ornaments are not toys. They must be viewed and not chewed!” All ornaments should be placed out of reach. Edible orna- ments should be avoided because they are particularly attracting. Tinsel and ribbon hung from the branches are real attention getters for kittens and cats. If ingested life-threaten- ing intestinal obstruction can result. Trees are especially beautiful when adorned with twin- kling lights or lights filled with bubbling fluid. Cords, light-strips and power strips should be well hidden under rugs, covered with tape or made inaccessible to avoid electrical burns, electrocution or death if chewed. Unplug all cords when not in use. Often batteries are used to power snow villages and trains sur- rounding the tree. If licked or chewed the battery acid is corrosive and toxic.
“The snow globes and liquid-filled tree lights that are so mesmerizing must remain un- touched!” Often antifreeze is used in these ornaments which has an inviting, sweet flavor but , if ingested, is extremely toxic. These need to be carefully positioned so not to fall, break and leak fluid that can be licked.
“The scrumptious holiday food is for human consumption and off limits to you and your friends. There are special doggie and kitty treats provided just for your delight!” The holidays are a time of social gatherings cen- tered around a breadth and variety of food. All these are very enticing to our pets but can be extremely dangerous. Well- intentioned guests and children may offer them as treats not realizing the potential danger. The so- cial events are often chaotic and distracting leaving food and candy readily available to unattended pets. Therefore, it is best to avoid leaving certain types of foods within reach or to keep the pets contained. Foods to be avoided include chocolate candy and cookies, caffeine containing beverages and alcoholic drinks. All these can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, neurologic symptoms and death. The ultimate holiday danger, of- ten served as a treat, is the turkey or chicken bone. When chewed upon small razor sharp edges are formed that can become lodged
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