Friday, December 18, 2020

Pet health vacation tips from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine

The phrase “Happy Holidays” should remind us as pet owners that we have special responsibilities during this season of the year to keep the holidays safe for our animal companions. And in 2020, that means being prepared to take extra precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Lorraine Corriveau, Small Animal Primary Care Wellness Clinician at Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, said there is currently no major evidence to suggest that animals play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that leads to COVID-19 in humans. But she stressed that more studies are needed to understand if and how different animals might be affected by COVID-19.

“Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals transmitting COVID-19 to humans is considered low,” Dr. Corriveau said. “But it appears it can spread from humans to animals in certain situations. Thus, people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

Dr. Corriveau further advised people with COVID-19 who are in quarantine to take the same precautions with pets as with other members of their household. “Specifically, while someone with COVID-19 is symptomatic, they should maintain separation from pets and avoid direct contact with pets, including petting, cuddling, kissing or licking, sleeping in the same place and sharing food or bedding,” said Dr. Corriveau. “If possible, another member of the household should be designated to care for pets in the home and should follow standard hand-washing practices before and after interacting with the pet.” She added that if someone with COVID-19 has to care for pets or other animals, they should wash their hands thoroughly before and after coming into contact with them.

At the same time, pet owners should be aware of the more traditional risks to pets while on vacation. Even though small family holiday gatherings are the norm this year due to the pandemic, pets face a variety of health threats related to holiday traditions, from decorations to food. Dr. Corriveau suggests the following vacation pet safety checklist:

Chocolate consumption is very dangerous for pets, especially dogs. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which can be deadly to dogs if they consume too much of it. Since the dogs themselves are unaware of this, be sure to stay alert, like a guard dog.

tinsel may be appealing to cats, but it can cause the intestines to swell and even cut the intestinal wall! Either could be fatal and would definitely mean a trip to the vet’s office.

Electrical cords may seem like a fun chew toy for puppies and kittens, and puts pets at risk of serious burns and electric shock.

ornaments can fascinate pets, and they don’t understand words like “breakable,” “family heirloom,” or “sentimental value.” Exuberant dogs, cats and ferrets have been known to knock over many ornaments and trinkets, and sometimes even entire Christmas trees.

Candles can pique pets’ interest with their dancing flames, and it can lead to a pet knocking one over or even being set on fire.

Decorative plants such as holly, ivy, and mistletoe may appear like vegetables to pets, but these can be toxic if ingested. For a complete list of poisonous plants, you can visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website at aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control. If you have an emergency, you can call the Animal Poison Control hotline at: 1-888-426-4435.

Eat too much is not uncommon at this time of year, for humans and pets alike. Table scraps, garbage picking, and counter-surfing can result in much richer food in your pet’s stomach than usual, which can cause digestive issues and even severe inflammation of the pancreas that can put life threatening. Help your pets follow their normal diet, even if they beg you not to.

Buzzers can be fun for humans this time of year, especially on New Year’s Eve, but pets can be sensitive to it. Be sure to keep your furry friends in mind If you anticipate fireworks or noisemakers will be within earshot of your pets, make sure they are in a safe place away from noise. Also make sure your pet cannot escape the house or yard.

New pets are often welcome at this time of year, but the holidays are a bright, loud, and exciting time of year that can be a little overwhelming for new members of the household, especially young animals. Dr. Corriveau recommends waiting until after the holidays to buy a new pet so that you can introduce your new pet to a calm and safe environment.

If an animal becomes ill or injured during the holidays, the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital Emergency Department is available 24/7. For emergencies, call or text 765-494-1107.

Writers):
Jonathan Martz, Communications Intern PVM | [email protected]