As fun and festive as the holiday season may be, it can be a confusing and dangerous time for our pets. Decorations pose unique risks and that includes Christmas trees.
If your celebration includes setting up a tree, be sure to take precautions to keep pets safe. Here are 8 tree-trimming tips to keep in mind:
8 Ways to Pet-proof Your Christmas Tree
Opt for plastic or wooden ornaments instead of glass, which can break and cause injury.
Avoid using edible decorations to reduce temptation.
Toss out the tinsel — it can cause severe damage to your pet’s intestinal tract if ingested.
String lights and power cords can cause oral burns and electric shock if chewed. Hang them near the top of the tree or skip them altogether.
Anchor your tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent pets from knocking it over.
Sweep up pine needles, which can cause GI upset or a foreign body obstruction if too many are swallowed.
Cover up the tree stand to prevent pets from drinking the water, which can contain pesticides, fertilizer, or bacteria.
Don’t put wrapped gifts under the tree, especially if there’s food inside. Keep presents in a safe place until it’s time to open them.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and usually fatal virus that affects both wild and domestic (“pet”) rabbits. The virus can be transmitted not only from rabbit to rabbit, but via food, bedding, or other contaminated materials.
A vaccination for the virus has existed for years in Europe and other parts of the world, but not in the United States. In October 2021, a new U.S.-developed vaccine received emergency authorization from the USDA. In preliminary studies, the vaccine proved highly effective in preventing disease with minimal side effects.
The vaccine series consists of the initial vaccine and a booster shot approximately 3 weeks after the initial dose. A rabbit is considered fully protected two weeks after the booster shot.
Kidney disease refers to the inability of the kidneys to work properly. Kidneys perform several key functions in the body, the most important of which is filtering waste products from the blood. Kidneys also maintain the balance of electrolyte levels in the body (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), maintain blood pressure, and produce urine. Damage to the kidneys can result in the buildup of waste products to dangerous levels in the blood, also known as azotemia.
There are two main types of kidney disease – acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD develops slowly over time and can damage the kidneys to the point where they are unable to function properly. CKD was previously termed chronic renal failure (CRF). Unlike acute kidney injury, CKD does not disappear with treatment. CKD affects up to 10% of elderly dogs, while all cats are at risk of developing the disease. Unfortunately, it can take months or even years before a pet with CKD show signs of the disease. In addition, pets that have been diagnosed with AKI are at risk of developing permanent damage to their kidneys which can lead to CKD.
Kidney disease refers to the inability of the kidneys to work properly. Kidneys perform several key functions in the body, the most important of which is filtering waste products from the blood. Kidneys also maintain the balance of electrolyte levels in the body (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), maintain blood pressure, and produce urine. Damage to the kidneys can result in the buildup of waste products to dangerous levels in the blood, also known as azotemia.
There are two main types of kidney disease – acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Acute kidney injury was formerly called acute renal failure (ARF) and refers to sudden damage to the kidneys causing a dysfunction. AKI often lasts only for a short period of time and can even disappear completely once the underlying cause is treated. However, pets that have been diagnosed with AKI are at risk of developing permanent damage to their kidneys which can lead to CKD.
A fever is an abnormally high body temperature. A normal body temperature for a cat or dog is between 100 and 102.5°F (37.8 to 39.2°). A cat or dog is considered to have a true fever if their body temperature ranges from 103 to 106°F (39.5 to 41.1°C).
When to see a veterinarian:
If your pet has a temperature between 102.5 to 104.5°F (39.2 to 40.3°C), consult your veterinarian. For temperatures above 104.5°F (40.3°C), seek immediate veterinary attention.
