Keeping pets safe during the holidays

Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) is reminding residents to keep the holidays fun and safe for all family members, including pets. According to Margaret Lee, shelter veterinarian for LBACS, families should practice a few simple tips to keep their pets healthy and safe:

1. Do not feed pets from the table.
Turkey bones are hollow and can break and splinter into sharp pieces, causing blockage and perforation of the intestinal tract. Symptoms include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting or diarrhea, and may not be exhibited for one or two days. Also, meals that sit out at room temperature for too long can cause food poisoning; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, a high temperature, loss of appetite and listlessness. Consult a veterinarian immediately should a pet exhibit any symptoms for turkey bone ingestion or salmonella poisoning.

2. Keep pets comfortable.
Pets may have a hard time adjusting to the increases in family activity around the holidays, especially the stress of house guests. Scheduling a time each day to play with your dog or review obedience exercises can make the holidays easier for your dog. Cats are harder to reassure, and it is better to provide a safe haven where the guests can?t find them, especially young children. Also, make sure their litter pan is private.

3. Make arrangements for pet care if you will be out of town.
Ensure the care of your pet by providing proper nutrition, appropriate care and a secure environment.

4. Make sure pets wear proper identification.
All pets in Long Beach are required by law to be licensed. One of the benefits of licensing is the vacation pet alert. Pet owners with a current license may call (562) 570-PETS to register where their pet will stay while they are gone and ensure that they are returned home in case they are lost. Licensing and microchipping pets greatly increases the chances of reuniting a lost pet with its owner. For information or assistance with dog licensing, call Long Beach Animal Care Services at (562) 570-7387 or visit longbeach.gov/acs.

5. Make sure you know the number of the emergency veterinary hospitals in your area.
Take a few minutes to drive by your local emergency veterinary hospital so you can be sure that you can find it in an emergency when you may not be thinking as clearly as on an ordinary day.

Animal Care Services is located at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring St. The Village is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am to 5:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, and is closed on Mondays, Tuesday and holidays.

Source: http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/archives/12659

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