SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) —The holidays are a time where people are grateful for family, friends, and good health.
Whether you consider your pets friends or family, it is also important to remember their health this holiday season.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with many people preparing to feast this Christmas. However, it’s important to make sure that your furry friends aren’t eating the same food as you.
“I know it’s very tempting to feed our pets our holiday treats this time of year. Really, the only safe things to feed our pets is the foods that they’re accustomed to,” Sioux Nation Pet Clinic veterinarian, Beth Stangohr said.
If your animal does get food they’re not supposed to, it’s important to know the signs to be looking out for.
“Avoiding their normal food. So, not being as hungry as usual, diarrhea is going to be a big one, and throwing up is a huge red flag,” Stangohr said.
It’s also possible for pets to try to eat items that aren’t edible, which can cause big problems.
“So tinsel on a tree is horrible. If cats eat it, dogs eat it, we may be looking at a surgery to remove it from their intestines,” Stangohr said.
Another aspect of animal health during the holidays is stress. Some animals can become stressed with too many people around.
“Ensuring that they have a separate space that they can go to, whether it be a kennel or a separate room or even just, you know, the lower level of your house, the upper level of your house. Having a baby gate area to try to limit as much interaction is very helpful,” Humane Welfare Director, Caley Harr said.
With everything happening during the holiday season, it’s important to keep a close eye on the animals you call ‘family’.
“The last thing you want to do is kind of neglect that, even if it is just because you’re busy and then end up being frustrated with them to some extent, you know, understanding them and understanding their mental point of view is very similar to people in the sense of they’re overwhelmed, they’re stressed out, maybe they miss you. So just being aware of all of that kind of plays in with everything,” Harr said.
Helping your animals live their healthiest life, so that everyone can have a Merry Christmas.
Harr also says it’s important to make sure your pet has a collar and tag or microchip in case they slip outside while people are coming in and out of your home.
Click here for foods that your animals can and cannot eat this holiday season.
