Jeffersonville, IN (PRWEB) December 17, 2013 -- If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times – chocolate is toxic for our pets. And, with the holidays come many more things that are toxic and hazardous to dogs and cats. PetFirst shares this list of holiday hazards to avoid a trip to the vet’s office.
Toxic Temptations include:
Lilies: Cause kidney failure
Mistletoe or holly berries: Cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea); also could lead to cardiovascular problems
Candies and gum with xylitol: Causes blood sugar to drop, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and possible seizures
Alcohol: Can lead to a coma and result in death from respiratory failure
Decorations: Can become lodged in the intestines and cause an obstruction
Aluminum foil and cellophane wrappers: Causes vomiting and intestinal blockage
Christmas tree water: If it contains fertilizers, that can upset the stomach of your pet; stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria causing infection or illness if ingested
Leftovers: Too much of a good thing can cause upset stomach and diarrhea; also watch for bones that may splinter and create a choking hazard
Poinsettias: Cause mild vomiting or nausea
In addition to avoiding these hazards, always have your vet’s phone number close by just in case your pet becomes ill. It is also a good idea to have the number to your local 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital for treatment recommendations and the number to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).
Pet owners with pet insurance from PetFirst have the satisfaction of knowing their vet bills can be reimbursed up to 90% should an accident or injury arise any time of year. Pet insurance with PetFirst is convenient for pet owners and can be activated online or by phone. To receive a customized quote for pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.
About PetFirst
PetFirst is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst’s comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic and breed-specific conditions with no per diagnosis limits. PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers as well as other partners. PetFirst polices are underwritten by American Alternative Insurance Corporation (Munich Re) which is rated by A.M. Best as A+. Additional services are underwritten by Lloyd’s. For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.
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Lynne Choate, Petfirst, http://www.petfirst.com, +1 (812) 206-6982, [email protected]
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