Pets As Gifts? No

Returns Or Exchanges

Although a puppy or kitten seems like an adorable holiday gift, animal shelters are inundated by mid-winter with dogs and cats that were given to, or purchased by, people who were not prepared for pet ownership.

“Shelters are full of animals that were purchased or adopted in the spirit of the season by people who did not think about the long-term responsibility of pet ownership,” said John Caltabiano, DVM, president of Tait’s Every Animal Matters of Westbrook. “This means not only providing the animal with food, exercise and affection, but also covering the cost of routine check-ups, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and medical treatment.”

A pet is a gift that is mean to last a lifetime, so before you let that cuddly ball of fur tug on your heart strings, use your head.

There are countless dogs and cats in shelters that need homes, although most conscientious rescue groups do not release animals during the holidays in order to prevent impulse adoptions. You can use this time, however, to visit the shelter and get acquainted with the staff and animals. Take a photo of a pet you are considering, wrap it up, and five the family something to look forward to after the holidays.

If only a purebred will do, thoroughly research the breed that interests you to become familiar with its characteristics, its size and temperament, activity level, and potential medical problems. When selecting a breeder, ask a veterinarian for a referral or contact the American Kennel Club for further information and then visit the breeder’s facility to check the health and temperament of the animal’s parents (and to see how they are being cared for).

If purchased from a pet store, make sure the store is clean and that the animals are alert, friendly and have plenty of room to move in their cages. (diseases are easily transmitted in overcrowded conditions).

Now, young animals – like children – get excited by holiday activity. A puppy or kitten might jump on the tree, eat ribbons, tear at packages, or break ornaments in addition to the typical mischief like climbing on furniture or curtains, or chewing shoes, cords or other items.

What is more, winter is not an optimum time for housebreaking.

Older animals, in contrast, are most likely housebroken or litter box trained, calmer and might have obedience training in addition to already being spayed or neutered. If you’re at work all day, an older pet could be better suited to spending time along without getting anxious or destructive.

When your new pet gets home, it needs time to adjust to new surroundings – including other household animals. Make sure your pet has a comfortable bed or crate to go to, away from noise and activity. A crate must be big enough for the animal to stand up and turn around in and should be used as a safe place, not as punishment.

Remember that pets – like people – are not perfect. Accidents will happen. There will be muddy paws, scratcher upholstery, hairballs, and an occasional flea or tick. It’s all part of pet ownership. Furthermore, adults who buy a pet for a child must realize that they – the parents – will become the animal’s caretaker, no matter what the kids say before the pet arrives.

If you aren’t ready for the commitment of pet ownership, there are plenty of other gifts to give. For the sake of the millions of unwanted animals that die on the streets or in the shelters each year, keep shopping.

Pets Should Avoid

Holiday Feasting

‘Tis the season for overeating and pets – like their owners – often suffer the effects of indulging at (or under) the dinner table. Problems can range from minor ailments such as diarrhea and vomiting to deadly conditions like perforated intestines and salmonella.

To keep pets healthy at holiday time, a veterinarian of Tait’s Every Animal Matters, a non-profit charity headquartered in Westbrook, made the following suggestions:

eKeep it plain and simple – People crave variety in their diets, but pets need to stick to well-balanced meals of dog or cat food on a regular schedule. So, gently inform well-intentioned guests that hors d’oeuvres, snacks and table scraps are off-limited to pets. In addition to the possibility of an upset stomach, feeding pets too many treats by hand encourages begging and other “bad manners” such as stealing food and nipping.

eRespect their space – Not every pet likes to socialize. Some animals – especially cats and anxious dogs – prefer to keep to themselves in a quiet space or crate. To make holiday gatherings less stressful for pets and people alike, put pets in a quiet room away from noise, new faces, food and activity. Make sure your cat or dog has a bowl of fresh water and a favorite treat, chew toy or blanket nearby. Animals and quests alike will be more comfortable.

eGive a dog a (beef) bone – Turkey, chicken, ham and pork bones can be deadly. They splinter easily and can block or perforate and intestine. Symptoms appear one or two days after the bone has been eaten and can include lack of appetite, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea. The treatment is risky and expensive surgery, with no guarantee. The best choice is an uncooked marrow bone from the butcher shop or grocery store, which is less likely to splinter. It is also nutritious and low in calories.

Or choose one of the edible ‘bones’ from the pet story; they are made of safe, digestible material and come in a variety of flavors, shapes and sizes.

Remember – a bone is not only the ultimate chew toy; it cleans teeth and is a great stress reliever.

eCut the fat – Don’t let pets ‘clean’ plates or roasting pans. Rich gravy and other fat-laden foods can upset an animal’s digestive system, causing diarrhea and pancreatis.

eIf you can’t eat it, neither can your pet – Animals, like people, can get food poisoning. If something doesn’t smell or taste right to you, it isn’t right for your pet.

ePets can’t say no – Dogs especially want to please us by eating everything that’s put in front of them. Since your pet doesn’t known the limit, you must. A few extra snacks here and there are okay, but stick to your pet’s regular portions and meal times. With too many holiday goodies, pets will have to battle the bulge in January … just like their owners!

eHoliday décor – Poinsettia, bittersweet, mistletoe, holly and yew trees are festive, but they are among the many plants that can be dangerous – even deadly – to pets (and people). Never let pets eat leaves, flower or berries and beware of pets lapping up Christmas tree water, which may contain fertilizers and bacteria.

eTempting trimmings – Prevent your playful pets from eating ribbons or tinsel. If ingested, there items can become lodged in the intestines and cause a painful, if not fatal, obstruction. This is a common problem with kittens.

For further information, call 1-888-FOR-TEAM.