For several years now, we’ve seen and heard all the different news accounts of pets being made ill or out right poisoned by products manufactured overseas. And it doesn’t stop with just products for animals … baby formula, pot pourri, toothpaste, sea food, toys … you name it. In the interest of our health — and our pets health/well being — owners need to be hyperviligant about bringing in items manufactured outside the US.
The vast majority of our pets will be participating in Christmas with us. Other family members include them in their holiday gift buying … and this is where we need to talk. Many well-meaning gifters will not be aware of the contamination of products for our pets. This is where you — as the owner — need to carefully inspect packaging for country of origin as well as overall safety of the item. Read the label carefully — that country of origin is often buried in small print. Does it have small pieces that can be chewed off and ingested? It is a ball that a tongue can be caught in, cutting off circulation? If your dog is a “heavy” chewer, can the item be easily destroyed and eaten? If in doubt, get rid of it! The toy or treat you toss out may just save you $$$$ in vet bills.
Dogs and chocolate. Dogs and high-fat foods. All deadly combinations that are accessible during the holidays. Chocolate is a known poison to dogs (especially dark chocolate and small dogs). High fat foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs … an extremely painful and life-threatening condition. Skip the fat, treat with veggies if one absolutely must (and not the veggies swimming in gravy!).
Santa Paws can continue to visit … just make sure that what he’s carrying in his sack is safe for those little ones (or not-so-little ones)!!
And, if you’re still feeding the ever-popular chicken strips to your dog, please read the latest update from the FDA as of December 19, 2008.
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