Pets Who Ruined Christmas and Other True Stories
The holidays are usually filled with lots of activity, socializing, and general busyness. There is so much fun to be had, even the best pet parents can find themselves dealing with some sort of emergency. We have had our share of oopsies and trips to the emergency room. Dogs are perpetual toddlers, getting into things they shouldn’t, usually in less than the blink of an eye. Each pet is different, and some are more likely to get themselves into trouble than others.
This little princess was Dakota. She was certifiably insane and was quicker than any puppy should ever be. She was born 7/1/1993 and my sister adopted her when she was 6 weeks old. She was loved and spoiled from the start. During Thanksgiving of that year, she managed to get into the garbage that was taller and bigger than her, and got seriously ill. She was projectile vomiting all over the house, and we packed her up and took her to the emergency room. They gave her some fluids and antibiotics, and sent her home with a super high fever and not much hope. She was delirious for several days, running a high fever, we took her to the regular vet the following Monday, and they couldn’t come up with anything to help her. They thought that she would have brain damage from the prolonged high fever, but a couple of days later, she was running around terrorizing the cats like nothing had happened. She lived to the ripe old age of 16.
This princess is my mom’s dog, Maggie, who is currently 5 years old. She managed to snag and eat an entire raw meatloaf when my mom turned her back for literally less than 10 seconds. She had to go to the emergency room and get her stomach emptied out because onions and garlic are toxic, and too much raw pork is not healthy either. She is none the worse for wear though. Her legs are spring loaded and nothing is out of her reach. She is usually a good girl, but that meatloaf was just too much of a temptation.
We here in the great white north are experiencing some VERY cold weather and would like to remind pet parents that paws can be damaged by cold, ice and even heat in southern climates. Here are a couple of ways to keep those paws safe and healthy.
Harsh weather conditions, such as salt in cold climates and hot pavement can damage a dogs pads. Cracking and calluses can lead to excessive licking and biting, which increases rawness in the paw that can lead to infection. PetHealth Pad & Paw Balm, enriched with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and sunflower oil to soothe and protect the pad and paw can help keep paws safe. PetHealth Pad & Paw Balm is sulfate-free, phosphate-free, alcohol-free, preservative-free and paraben-free. The vegetable-based ingredients help to condition and moisturize without depleting the skins natural lipid barrier.
If you prefer to make your own paw balm, here is a helpful instructional video on how to do just that:
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While each dog is different in temperament and personality, even the best pet can find themselves in trouble after being tempted by holiday decorations or treats. While we do our best to keep them safe, when they do get themselves into trouble, it can definitely put a dent in our pocketbooks.
The best thing to do is be prepared, and remember that most dogs are dedicated opportunists, even the best behaved can suffer from a moment of weakness when faced with temptation. And check out our handy list of foods for your pets to avoid.
We hope you and your families have a safe and happy holiday season and with a little preparation and information, you can keep your furry family members safe and healthy.
Happy Holidays,
Yours in Health and Wellness,
Dawn and Kate
