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14 - Apple Valley Scoop - December 2009ChristmasTipsfor yourPetsWith all the excitement at Christmastime,it’s important to remember our pets andpotential safety concerns.Here’s an excerpt from Dr. Emma Raghavan’sarticle that appeared in the Halifax DailyNewsAs the holidays near and our homes fillwith hope and excitement, it is importantto remember that many potential hazardsface our furry friends. Some of the hazardsare more dangerous than others and somemore obvious than others.Many a curious feline and the occasionalpuppy find the electric cords to be fascinatingtoys. The problem that can occur is whenthe Christmas lights are on and those sharpteeth pierce into the wires. Electrocutionmay only cause minor burns to the tissues(usually of the mouth). However, it maycause more serious conditions in the lungs(fluid accumulation) or abnormal rhythmsin the heart. A few ways to help preventelectric shock from occurring are to removeall tags from cords, try to prevent danglingof cords and if necessary be sure that petsare well supervised while the lights are on.Then there is the holiday food itself.Oh how tempting it all is…. chocolates,turkey, bones, fat… It is best to stick withFido’s usual diet to prevent the upset thatcomes from dietary change. All bonescan potentially cause inflammation in thestomach and intestines and may splinterTheFire Dogand cause perforation. A high fat intakemay reek havoc on the pancreas - the organthat is responsible for the production ofdigestive enzymes. Pancreatic inflammation(pancreatitis) can cause severe illnessin animals. Last but not least heavenlychocolate that surrounds us during theholidays, often mistaken by dogs for a goodtreat. Chocolate contains theobromine andcaffeine. Different types of chocolate containdifferent amounts each - theobromine is thepredominant toxic component with caffeineusually in much lower concentration. Ifyour pet ingests chocolate - contact yourveterinarian. Chocolate can not only causeGI upset but has more serious effects onthe nervous system (can lead to tremorsor seizures) and may cause an increase inheart rateHoliday plants can also be a risk factor -while poinsettia has long been thought ofas poisonous - its main effect is mechanicalirritation of the stomach leading to vomiting.Less innocent are mistletoe; holly and ivyshould be kept out of reach.We hope you and your pets enjoy a happyand safe holiday.Submitted by Jodi Banks, Scotian GoldCooperative LimitedSubmitted by Scotian GoldBest FriendsFashion BinsUsed Clothing Outlet565 Main St. Kingston(free parking across the road)902-765-0091email: bf-fb@live.comMonday - Friday 9-9, Saturday 9-5and Sunday 10-5Proud Supporters for the cureA nursery school teacher was delivering a stationwagon full of kids home one day when a fire truckzoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the firetruck was a Dalmation dog.The children started discussing what the dog’sduties might be.“They use him to keep crowds back,”said one youngster.“No,” said another, “he’s just for good luck.”A third child concluded. “No silly, they use thedogs to find the fire hydrant!”It’s aWhite Christmasat Scotian GoldCountry StoreSuper Saturday SpecialsDecember 1910kgValley SaltScotian Gold Wholeor Cracked CornBird Seed$3 49$1 99 25%Zukes DogTreats$3 99off all toysincluding JohnDeere toysEnter to WIN a weekend getaway toWhite Point Beach Resort~fill out a ballot in store~Scotian Gold Country Store, Hwy 1, ColdbrookMonday to Friday 8am - 6pm, Saturday 8 am - 5pmShyer, is a loving, gentle adult malecat who as his name suggestsis a bit shy.He has been at the shelter longerthan most of the other cats and isready for a loving home.538-9075www.kingsspca.com