Holidays are fun and filled with awesome things to make sure we relax and have a great time. Its also true that we try our best to make it fun for our beloved pets too. Herewith the ten most common holiday ailments presented to the vets:
1. Vomiting due to table scraps and fatty food.
Tip: Only treat with low fat bland food.
2. Skin allergies flaring triggered by table scraps.
Tip: In allergic pets best to stay away from food pet is not used to or use novel protein like duck, venison or ostrich.
3. Ear infections aggravated by swimming.
Tip: Use ear cleaner after swimming.
4. Bite wounds
Tip: Keep dogs on leads. All bite wounds are infected, if the skin is broken take them to a vet.
5. Kennel cough
Tip: Ask for additional kennel cough vaccination at least 2 weeks before kenneling.
6. Flea infestation leading to flea bite allergies
Tip: Be vigilant with monthly treatment on the pet and the house. Only 5% of flea population lives on the pet the immature stages are lurking in your house!
7. Heat stroke
Tip: Never leave a pet in a stationary car. Go for walks in the cooler parts of the day. Be especially careful with flat faced pooches or the noisy breathers.
8. Tick bite fever
Tip: Use a reputable tick collar and monthly oil based topical treatment especially if you visiting new places with your pet.
9. Constipation or diarrhea
Tip: Once again the big culprit: table scraps and please stay away from bones.
10. Foreign bodies
From grass awns migrating in to the skin, to stick injuries during playing and even the occasional swallowed Christmas
decoration.
Tip: Keep hair around feet and ventral side short to keep grass awns out, never play fetch with sticks (think damage to eyes, palates and playmates) and keep the decorations out of reach.
Ten pet health problems which are ALL preventable!
