Posted on: Sunday, December 19, 2004
ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Take extra care during holidays to keep your pet safe from harm
| • | Adoptables |
Hawaiian Humane Society
Tradition, treats, trimmings and celebration light up the season. With best wishes for a happy and humane holiday, the Hawaiian Humane Society suggests a few precautions to make the season a safe one for all.
Decorate safely
A surprise holiday gift of an adorable kitten or puppy may seem like the greatest idea ever — but think about it first!
Caring for a living thing is a big responsibility, one that should be made by the entire household. If the family might be ready to add a pet, make it a group decision. Buy a gift certificate at the humane society for the $55 adoption fee and tuck it into a pet bowl or toy.
Another gift that benefits the animals at the shelter is the 2005 Pets in Paradise calendar picturing more than 1,100 well-loved Hawaii animals. Just $10, the calendar is also available at Pet's Discount (all locations), Bark Avenue in Hawaii Kai, Borders Books and Music at Ward Center, Chef's Table in Hawaii Kai, Crazy Canine in 'Aiea and Hawaii Doggie Bakery at Ward Warehouse.
humane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals. If your pets can be rambunctious, ensure your Christmas tree is topple-proof.
Christmas tree water includes additives that will upset your pet's stomach. A simple solution is to cover the tree stand with a skirt.
Keep breakable decorations out of reach, and be mindful of hazards related to tinsel, ribbons, strings of popcorn and ornaments.
A dog's sense of smell is 25 times more sensitive than a human's. Your presents may be wrapped, but he knows exactly which ones have food.
Seasonal decor
Light candles away from your cat's napping spots and out of the path of the dog's wagging tail. Lilies, mistletoe and holly are harmful if eaten. Whether you have a rabbit, a bird, a cat or a dog, make sure your pet is not chewing the electrical wires, or gnawing on small bulbs. Cats are creatures of habit. Disruptions in the home during the holidays, such as rearranging the furniture, could cause your feline distress.
Treats from the table
The delectable holiday goodies that we look forward to each year can be harmful to pets. Chocolate can be fatal to dogs, cats and birds, so keep the candies away from them. Don't feed leftover turkey, gravy, scraps of fat that can upset the gastro-intestinal balance in animals.
Garlic and onions, fresh or dehydrated, can cause anemia — damage to the red blood cells. Raisins, grapes and macadamia nuts should never be fed to dogs. Turkey bones can splinter and become dangerous when chewed. After dinner, put the food away promptly and place the garbage in a closed trash can where the animals can't dig in. Any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your animal severe indigestion and diarrhea.
Give your pet the gift of quality family time
Parties, shopping, family gatherings, and holiday trips can disrupt your companion animal's predictable schedule. A change in routine can cause anxiety. Try to include your pet wherever possible, and give him the gift of play and companionship that he craves this Christmas. Take him to a nearby park or beach where dogs are welcome. Lists are posted at hawaiianhumane.org. Identify your pet
Give your pet the gift of identification this year. Make it a priority to put a collar and tag on your pet and get him microchipped. Make it a New Year resolution to update your address and phone in the microchip database at the humane society. Call 946-2187, ext. 227.
The holidays can be an invitation to mischief for pets that are easily tempted by shiny ornaments and an indoor tree.
Pets as presents
Adoptables
Tag No. 49500. Still a kitten at 6 months, Chloe wears a "tuxedo" coat of black and white. She has amazing white whiskers and a stubby tail. Already spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations, Chloe is ready to go to her new home today.
Tag No. 47073. Give a toast to Sangria! She is already housetrained and used to living with a big family. This medium-size Lab mix has a short coat of warm brown and gold. Just 1 year old, she's still a teenager and needs appropriate chew toys. These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open 7 days a week. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals. |
