The cold weather – the most bitter stretch of freezing temperatures are expected to begin tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec 15, and last through the weekend – and holiday season are fast approaching with Christmas only 10 days away and New Year's coming in less than three weeks.
It is a joyous and festive time of the year, but according to Belmont Animal Control Officer John Maguranis, for our beloved pets, it's also a season of risk.
Fore instance, many of us change anti freeze in our vehicles this time of year and many do not know the dangers of ethylene glycol, a key ingredient in anti freeze, notes Maguranis
To our pets, especially dogs, its sweet and animals will eagerly drink it if given the opportunity. Ethylene glycol quickly causes massive damage to the liver and without immediate medical attention it can be fatal. Watch your pets closely and make sure you dispose of used anti freeze properly. Belmont hosts an on-going hazardous waste disposal program. Contact the Health Department for details at 617-993-2720.
Maguranis said that other dangers include turkey bones and other festive foods left around for a quick grab by a hungry pet.
Bones, chocolate and other 'human' foods can cause problems for our pets. Bones can easily perforate intestinal linings and chocolate contains chemicals that cause heart problems in dogs, he said.
Over-eating can also be detrimental to your pets' health, as well as the consumption of too many different types of food items. Be sure to keep your pet away from tempting places and keep food and trash items out of their reach.
Wrapping paper and tinsel left lying around quickly become play toys for cats, said Maguranis. Tinsel is notorious for causing massive intestinal destruction when ingested by cats or dogs. Keep a sharp eye out for any changes in behavior and/or eating habits and don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian at the first signs of illness. Time is crucial to the survival and treatment of pet regarding issues discussed here, as well as many others.
Pets left outdoors without adequate protection from the elements can and will suffer from cold injuries. Pets housed outdoors must have protection from wind, rain, snow and have fresh,unfrozen water at all times. Consult with your veterinarian or call Maguranis regarding proper outdoor housing for pets.
And Maguranis wants everyone to remember that although legal, dogs that are left alone outdoors in can suffer other than physically. Dogs are social animals and really need the companionship of their owners to keep them happy and out of trouble. Animals that have little socialization, especially dogs can quickly become a problem by barking, chewing themselves, aggression and believe it or not, depression.