Top Ten safe gifts to give your pets this holiday season

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Top Ten safe gifts to give your pets this holiday season:

 

  1. A new pet bed
  2. A new harness/sweater/coat
  3. A cat tree
  4. Flat “Stuffed” animals WITHOUT stuffing or squeakers
  5. Treats (Be sure to consider the quality and source. Beware of treats manufactured outside of the US or that may have been recalled. With all treats, moderation is key.)
  6. Kong toys/Bento ball (Make sure to get the correct size for your pet to avoid a choking hazard)
  7. Grooming
  8. A dog park membership or doggie daycare
  9. Pet insurance to help with unexpected veterinary costs when your pet gets sick or injured
  10. Preventative veterinary care-There is no greater gift than that of a long, happy, healthy life for your pet. Don’t let your pet succumb to preventable diseases. Consider giving a gift that will last longer than any toy, bone, or bed. We have Beechmont Pet Hospital Gift Certificates on sale through December 24th, 2018. Purchase a $50.00 gift certificate for $40.00

    Gifts to Give with Caution:

  1. “Chew bones”- None are 100% safe. Rawhides and related items (e.g. bully sticks, hooves, marrow bones, antlers etc.) can cause choking if large chunks are swallowed. Even hard rubber bones such as Nylabones can sometimes be ingested and get stuck or cause fractured teeth. Always monitor your pets when chewing bones.
  2. Rope/String toys- These can cause bowel blockages if ingested and/or damage teeth when tugging.
  3. A new “friend”- Adopting a new pet should be done only after careful consideration and should not be an impulsive decision. The holiday season can already be a stressful time for pets with travel plans, altered routines, guests, and poor weather conditions. This may not be the time to introduce a new pet into the mix. Make sure the whole family is capable of caring for any new pets once the holiday excitement wears off.

     Gifts that are NOT safe for your pet:

  1. Table Scraps-These can cause problems such as gastrointestinal distress, toxicity, pancreatitis, and weight gain, not to mention that it encourages undesirable begging behaviors.
  2. Any Toys or bones given without supervision. Even seemingly safe gifts can be hazardous in certain situations or with certain pets. Some dogs will tear apart and ingest almost anything, including dog beds, stuffed animals, tennis balls, etc. Some pets with sensitive stomachs or allergies may react to any new treat or chew. Watch pets closely with any new toys, treats, or bones to help prevent choking or other related illness or injury.
  3. Take care when giving gifts intended for the people in your life as well. Don’t leave toxic presents where pets have access to them, such as under the Christmas tree. Pets can easily smell toxic food items such as chocolate or coffee through wrapping paper, and may not hesitate to help themselves. Ribbons or tinsel may seem like fun toys, but can get stuck in their intestines. Chrysanthemums are also toxic to dogs and cats. Please seek immediate medical attention if exposed to any of these things.