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Top 10 Pet Health Tips for the Holidays

(ARA) - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Kwanzaa – no matter what you’re celebrating, pet owners need to remember to keep their pets safe and healthy for the holidays.

“Veterinarians often see an uptick in the number of problematic calls during the holiday season,” explains Dr. Larry R. Corry, AVMA president. “Whether it’s an exposure to chocolate or fatty foods or pets upset due to unexpected guests or costumed visitors late at night, the holidays can present problems for pets. The AVMA urges all pet owners to include the health and safety of their pets in any plans for the holidays.”

October is National Pet Health Month…

This month you can expect to see ads about pet health and pet care compliments of your local veterinarian. Participating veterinary clinics nationwide are hoping to educate us on pet health and the importance of having a health care plan in place for our pets.

The three-step pet health plan suggested includes:

Like humans, pets can also get Gingivitis… diseased and bleeding gums. The disease can get so bad as to require antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines or even the removal of teeth. Read more about this dental health concern for pets and how a change in diet may help.

While those in the northern climes start to pump iron and increase their intake of Vitamin D and calcium to get ready for the lack of sun during the winter months, dog owners should be very careful not to drop any tablets on the floor. All medications tucked away in bathroom cabinets!

Ongoing studies bring us more news about the positive affect pets can have on us at every age and for all walks of life. From the calming influence of a Guide Dog for autistic children and their family to the happiness-factor blood-pressure-reducing effect of visiting pet programs for the shut-ins in hospitals, retirement villas and nursing homes, the perceived and real value of our pets continues to increase.

One of our goals in this pet blog and on our main website at www.MillionDollarPetPix.com is to celebrate pets with pet lovers and pet owners around the world. To share stories, photos and information that celebrates the wonder of pets and that promotes responsible pet ownership in a fun and positive way.