Presents for pets - safety considerations

Veterinary Medicine

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Veterinary Medicine

Presents for Pets

Safety considerations when giving gifts to the pets in your life

The holidays are a time for giving. In addition to the 'usual' recipients (family, friends, coworkers), many people get a stocking stuffer or two for the family pet. And why not? They deserve a little something special to celebrate the holiday, too. While it may be tempting for some to get that gigantic chew bone or the red and green colored 'candy canes' made of who-knows-what, some caution is advised before shopping for your pet(s) or your friend's pet(s).

Know your pet recipient
As with a gift for a human, realize that each pet has their preferences (chewer, ball player, etc.) and some may have health conditions that warrant special attention when deciding on a gift.

Food allergies are common in pets, so Tuna treats are not the gift for the fish-allergic feline and fatty or sugary treats are not appropriate for the diabetic or overweight pet. Whenever buying food or treat gifts for animals that are on a special diet or allergic to certain foods, remember to check the labels carefully -- even when labeled as "beef" or "chicken" there are often other fillers, such as corn or fish, two common food allergens.

Use common sense

Toys that resemble common items
It is my personal preference, but I prefer not to buy any toys that are stuffed animals or resemble items such as shoes. Some pets like to 'cuddle' with a stuffed toy, and this is OK, but these toys often encourage chewing, and quite possibly no stuffed animals or shoes in the household will be safe again! This is especially important in a house with small children - stuffed animals abound and the shoes are about the same size as the 'toy' ones.

Dyes and preservatives
Pets don't care what color it is, the colors added to treats and chews are for the people (think of the stuff dogs eat in the yard!). In addition to not being healthful, dyes may stain bedding and carpet where your pet is consuming the treat.

Flimsy construction and dangerous materials
Thin rubber squeak toys and mylar ribbon cat toys are colorful and fun, but left unsupervised, a pet may chew and consume parts of these toys, with potentially very serious consequences.

Given the chance, many cats will continue to consume a ribbon or string (tree tinsel, gift wrap, or cat 'fishing pole' type toys). Once consumed, the ribbon will bunch up in the intestines and can be fatal. This condition is referred to as a linear foreign body, and veterinary attention is required immediately. These toys are OK with supervision, but after playing, the ribbon toy should be placed in closed area, such as a closet.

Rubber balls and chew toys can also have serious consequences when consumed. If large enough pieces are swallowed, they can cause a intestinal foreign body obstruction, also potentially life-threatening. Smooth objects (balls, coins, marbles) and hard rubber toys may be a cause of intestinal obstruction and often necessitate surgical removal. I have personally removed a rubber rat head from a cat's intestine, so cats can be victims of dietary indiscretion as well as dogs! (When the owner saw the toy rat head, chewed off of the toy rat body, she exclaimed that it had been kitty's favorite toy.)

Favorite Pet Gifts This Year

Dogs
As mentioned in my adoption story earlier this year, my personal favorite active dog gift this year is the Kong Dog Toy. With the adoption of an avid chewer dog this year, the Kong has been a sanity saver! I selected an appropriate size (too small, and ingestion is a hazard) and chewing 'strength' and have been very pleased with it. So has Sophie - the canine adoptee!

Cats
My felines love a good catnip treat. It is important to note that not all cats enjoy catnip - approximately 30% of them do not have the necessary receptors to 'experience' the catnip, so some cats could care less about this as a gift. Another good choice for cats during the cold winter months is a nice pet snuggler bed.

Related Reading:
Before You Buy - Gifts for Pets & Pet Lovers
Pets As Presents
This is the season for giving, but please take time to pause and consider very carefully before giving a pet as a gift. This week's spotlight article offers some points to consider before giving the gift that keeps on living...