Holiday season adornments are attractive to all creatures. The ornaments, foods, gifts, wrappings, ribbons, lights and plants are all curiosities for pets. Pets investigate new items by sniffing, tossing, chasing, and finally by tasting. A few precautions are necessary to avoid the holiday crowds at the veterinary hospital.

The most common problems this time of year are stomach or intestinal disturbances caused by pets eating the holiday feast or other novelties. Scraps from the table can cause gastrointestinal upset and even predispose pets to life-threatening pancreatitis. Bones can get stuck in the mouth or perforate the intestines and should be avoided. Chocolate is poisonous to cats, dogs, and birds. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil (coated with good-tasting juices) are enticing but can cause intestinal damage (and even blockage) if eaten by the pet.

Other sweet treats, like gum and hard candies, can also make your pet ill. Sugar-free candies and gum are made with xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause a drop in blood sugar, depression, loss of coordination and seizures in your pet. Xylitol is also linked to liver failure in dogs. Be sure to keep all candies, chocolate and other sweets out of your pet's reach. If you believe your pet may have ingested chocolate or candy, call your veterinarian immediately.

Be sure to properly dispose of leftovers and wrappers. Feed pets their usual diet. Treats formulated similarly to the pet's regular diet are generally healthy and safe. Also keep in mind (while cooking) that pets may not know about hot stoves or to stay out from underfoot. Keep pets away from the stove so they don't get burned or get hot foods spilled on them.

Several decorative plants are poisonous. Mistletoe and holly can cause stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea. The berries of these plants are attractive, easily swallowed, and potentially fatal if consumed. Poinsettias, like the leaves of most any plant, can also cause stomach upset. Use artificial mistletoe and holly; keep other plants out of your pet's reach.

Be sure Christmas trees are secured so that pets cannot pull them over. Omit preservatives from the tree-stand water and cover the water so pets don't drink it. Don't spray snow on the tree unless it is labeled for pet consumption. Angel hair is spun glass and is irritating to both the inside and outside of your pet. Even glass ornaments and ornament hooks have been chewed and swallowed. These objects can cause problems from stomach upset to damaged intestines. Low-hanging ornaments are a real temptation, as are tinsel and electric lights. Decorative lights and electrical wiring can cause shock or burns when chewed, soremember to unplug holiday lights when pets are unattended.

Holidays have lots of activity going on. Be sure doors are not left open as guests come and go. Indoor pets inadvertently left outside could be injured by frostbite, cars, or other animals. Ice-melting chemicals and salt on sidewalks and roads can severely burn foot pads and should be washed off right away. Also, watch that guests don't leave interesting objects, such as chocolate, ribbons, stocking stuffers, or other illicit treats, within your pet's reach.

Holidays can also be as stressful for your pet as they are for you. Large gatherings of unfamiliar people may cause your dog or cat unnecessary stress and worry. If your pet does not interact well with strangers, keeping him or her in a separate room during the festivities may help keep your pet relaxed and worry-free.

Don't leave food items under the tree with an unsupervised pet; the wrapping, ribbon and enclosed gift are probably not compatible with your pet's digestive system. Ask Santa to put gifts out of your pet's reach so your pet won't beat you to them on Christmas morning.

When choosing a gift for your pet, consider the pet as an individual. Cats enjoy lightweight toys they can bat around, catnip toys, scratching posts, and kitty perches. Dogs like balls, chew toys, and things they can carry around. However, beware of toys with parts, such as bells, buttons, string, yarn, or squeaky parts, that can be detached and swallowed. Watch how your pet handles a new toy until you are sure it is safe. Some dogs treat a stuffed toy like a friend and carry it around and sleep with it. Others will tear them up and eat the stuffing and get into trouble. Also, if there is more than one pet in the household, consider all the pets before buying for any one of them. A one-inch diameter toy for a cat is fine, but a puppy in the household may swallow it and possibly require surgery to remove it.

If your pet does get sick, consult your veterinarian before giving any medications. Many of the over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen - Tylenol(r) and Excedrin(r) and ibuprofin - Advil(r), Motrin(r), are toxic for animals even though they are safe for us. Don't wait to see if your pet gets better. If your pet is acting sick, consult your veterinarian.

New figures just released show pet ownership is currently at its highest level, with 63 percent of all U.S. households owning a pet, which equates to more than 69 million households. That's up from 64 million in 2002 and 51 million in 1988, when tracking began. According to the 375-page survey that tracks hundreds of pet ownership trends, Americans own approximately 74 million dogs, 90 million cats, 16 million birds, 18 million small animals and 11 million reptiles.

The steady increase in pet ownership confirms that a growing number of us are realizing pets truly enhance our lives. Pets not only provide unconditional love and affection, but research now shows they also provide significant health benefits.

Most pet owners agree with what research has shown. According to the survey, nearly all pet owners say companionship, love, company and affection are the number one benefits to owning a pet. Fifty-nine percent say pets are good for their health and the health of their family and help them relax. Forty percent say that owning a dog motivates them to exercise on a regular basis. It is universally agreed that pet owners are health conscious, like to look their best, like to exercise with their pet, are happy and maintain a well organized home.

STATISTICS

63 percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 69.1 millions homes.

45 percent of U.S. households own more than one pet.

In 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, 56 percent of U.S. households owned a pet as compared to the 63 percent of present day.

Breakdown of Pet Ownership in the U.S.

Number of U.S. Households that Own the Following (millions)

Bird	6.4
Cat	37.7
Dog	43.5
Horse	4.2
Reptile	4.4
Small Animal	5.7

Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)

Bird	16.6
Cat	90.5
Dog	73.9
Reptile	11.0
Small Animal	18.2

2005 PET TRENDS

We pamper our pets. We bring them wherever we go. We surprise them with something new on special occasions. They even get holiday presents. They are our pets!

From high-end items to high-tech items, products for our companion animals now extend beyond traditional necessities.

Going to the Dogs

More and more companies traditionally known for human products are going to the dogs, and cats, and reptiles. Big name companies including like Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food.

Pets Welcome

Many hotels across the country are adopting pet friendly policies. Several chains have announced new pet-friendly policies that include everything from oversized pet pillows, plush doggie robes, to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and turn down treat. Some even have a licensed dog masseuse on staff.

Pet Products Sold Here

Shopping for pet products is becoming easier than ever with an increasing variety of retail outlets now selling pet products. Right alongside fertilizer and shovels, shoppers can now find pet products such as doggie doors and yellow lawn spot removers sold at many lawn and garden stores, nurseries, and major home improvement stores including Home Depot.

The Lap of Luxury

High-end items to spoil companion animals are must-haves for pet owners that spare no expense to please their furry, feathered and finned best friends. Items include faux mink coats for cold weather outings, feathered French day beds for afternoon naps, designer bird cages, botanical fragrances and to top it all off, a rhinestone tiara!

Ultra-Clean

Pet-owners take grooming one step beyond a haircut, a quick bath and a nail trim. Mouthwash and an electric toothbrush for canines are routine steps in a beauty session for some pooches. Birds receive daily pedicures with special cage perches, while others enjoy manicures complete with nail polish. Pet-owning homes stay cleaner with automatic, self-flushing litter boxes, cleaning cloths for muddy paws that mimic traditional baby wipes, and scented gel air fresheners to keep rooms free of pet odors.

Dinner is Served

Today's pet foods include complete and balanced diets that tantalize our pets' taste buds and satisfy their tummies. Formulas for puppies and kittens, specialized meals for reptiles, birds and fish and diets for senior pets ensure a long and healthy life for our beloved companions.

State-of-the-Art

High-tech products including computerized identification tags, digital aquarium kits, automatic doors and feeders, enhanced reptile terrarium lighting systems and touch-activated toys help pet-owners take care of companion animals with ease and precision.

Loosen Up

As pet owners meditate in yoga class, cats relieve stress by frolicking in a toy gym or relaxing in a feline spa before enjoying herbal catnip packaged in a tea bag. Dogs sip fresh water from flowing fountains after a soothing rub with a doggie massager.

Help Yourself!

Products designed with convenience in mind lead this trend. Programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats let pets virtually care for themselves!

Straight from the Catwalk

Faux mink coats, hipster lumberjack vests, designer plaid jackets, matching jeweled and leather collar and leash sets, Halloween costumes, and holiday outfits keep pets in fashion throughout the year. Upscale leather carriers complete with a cell phone and water bottle holder are the perfect accessories to keep the pet owner in style as well.

Keep on Truckin'

Whether it's a quick trip to the supermarket or a long ride to the beach, companion animals are now traveling animals too. Buckled up in a harness, seat belt system or a portable carrier, these pets stay safe and secure while on the road. Food and water along with safety supplies are on hand in all-in-one kits, waste disposal systems make for easy clean-up on quick stops and motion sickness aids are available too.

Hello, My Name Is...

From monogrammed sweaters and personalized food and water bowls to digitized collar tags and hand-made treats, owners embrace their pets as true members of the American family celebrating their fluffy, finned and feathered companions with their very own belongings.

Health care costs are rising rapidly - not just for you, but also for your pet. Veterinary medical costs are on the rise and many treatment options once available only for humans can now be used on pets. This is great news for the health of your pet, but it may not be so great for your wallet. Specialized treatments, emergency surgeries and consultations with specialists are expensive and working large veterinary bills into an already tight budget can be difficult for many pet owners. However, there are many options for pet owners looking to budget for the care of their faithful companion.

When it comes to tackling a large veterinary bill, health care credit cards are an easy option for pet owners. CareCredit, the Wells Fargo and Citibank all offer credit cards that can be used to pay for your pet's health care. CareCredit was the first company to offer financing exclusively for veterinary care. CareCredit works just like a regular credit card, except that it can be used only for veterinary (and human) medical care. More than 100,000 veterinarians in the country accept CareCredit and CareCredit's website features a searchable list of veterinarians who take payment through CareCredit.

To use CareCredit, apply online at www.carecredit.com. Once you're approved, make an appointment for your pet with your veterinarian. When it's time to pay the bill, you can set up a CareCredit payment plan with your veterinarian. Payment plans can last anywhere from three to 18 months, with no interest; for higher treatment fees, 24 to 60 month payment plans can be set up with a fixed 11.9 percent interest rate. The average credit limit is $4,000.

Chase also offers a specialized credit card for health care costs. The ChaseHealthAdvance allows pet owners to set up no-interest payment plans spread out from three to 24 months. Longer financing periods (for 24 to 48 months) are available with an interest rate ranging from 0 to 11.99 percent. The credit limit for ChaseHealthAdvance ranges from $5,000 to $20,000.

Wells Fargo and Citibank also offer credit card financing options for veterinary care. The Wells Fargo Health Advantage Card and the Citi Health Card work much like CareCredit and can be used for both veterinary and human medical procedures.

The Citi Health Card offers three different payment plans: zero interest for three to 18 months; a budgeted 48-month plan at 12.96 percent interest and a regular credit plan at 21.98 variable interest. Wells Fargo offers similar payment plans that can be customized by your veterinarian.

Not all veterinarians accept health care credit cards. Before applying for a card, ask your veterinarian which payment plans he or she uses. It is also a good idea to find out if veterinary emergency clinics in your area accept health care credit cards, as well. Adding another credit card to a growing stack of bills is a difficult choice - but far less difficult than choosing to forego an important procedure for your pet because of high costs.

Animal shelters throughout the country take in millions of lost cats each year and 99 out of 100 of these cats have no identification. Less than three out of 100 lost cats are reclaimed by their owners, and usually only one of those three has an identification tag. The owners of the other two cats end up spending hours, days and even weeks looking for their lost cats. Most owners of lost cats search long and hard, and never find their cats at all.

Don’t risk losing your feline friend forever. Please have your cat microchipped or use a collar with an identification tag that include your name, address and phone number. Be sure to keep the information current. You’ll want to tag or microchip your cat even if you never let it go outside because there is always the chance that it could slip through an open door or window and become lost.

There are collars made especially for cats with a short piece of elastic sewn in. These "break-away" collars can be buckled snugly around the cat’s neck, but will stretch and let the cat escape if it should get hung up on a tree limb or fence. It’s important to remember that many more cats have died because they were lost and their owners couldn’t find them, than have ever been injured from wearing a collar.

The first time you put a collar on your cat, give it a catnip-filled toy. The toy will distract the cat’s attention from the odd feeling of wearing a collar and by the time it finishes shredding the toy, it may have forgotten the collar entirely.

A better and more permanent method for identification is the microchip. A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size and shape of a grain of rice. It is implanted beneath a pet’s skin between the shoulder blades, and stays there for the pet’s entire life. This procedure is as easy and as painless as a vaccination.

Each microchip has a unique number. This number, along with information about the owner and pet, are added to a national pet registry. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have electronic scanners for detecting and reading these implanted microchips. If a lost pet is found, and the microchip is scanned, the registry is called and the owner is contacted.

Facts about Microchips:

• They are Permanent. The chip cannot be dislodged, once implanted, and has a lifetime of 75 years.
• The microchipping procedure is quick. It takes less than a minute.
• Microchipping does not require an anesthetic. It is often done at the time of spaying or neutering.
• The cat is not bothered by the microchip once it is implanted.
• Many people would not know to take a stray cat to a veterinarian or shelter for microchip scanning. This is the reason why we recommend a collar with tags along with the microchip.
• Although microchips are becoming standardized, there are still several types of chips and several registries.

In order to properly identify your cat, it may be best to use a combination of microchipping and collar with tags. The microchip would be the source of a permanent record and the collar / tags would give the owner’s name, phone number, and the fact that the animal is microchipped.

Make your own dog biscuits!

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of whole-wheat flour, 1/2-cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4-cup nonfat dry milk powder, 1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats, 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal.

Cut in 1/3-cup shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in 1 egg.

Dissolve 1 tbsp. instant chicken or beef bouillon granules in ½-cup water then pour the liquid into the flour mixture as you stir with a fork.

Form the dough into a ball and knead on a floured board for five minutes. Divide the ball in half and roll each portion until 1/2 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or shape your own biscuits.

Put six biscuits on a plate and microwave at medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until firm and dry to the touch. Rotate plate every two minutes and turn biscuits over after half the cooking time.

Here are some other interesting recipes for Homemade Dog Biscuits:

Chicken Liver Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 cup cooked, chopped chicken livers
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine flour and wheat germ. In separate bowl, beat egg with oil, add broth and parsley then mix well. Add dry ingredients to bowl a little at a time, stirring well. Fold in chicken livers and mix well. Dough will be firm. Turn dough out on lightly floured board and knead a few times. Roll out 1/2-inch thick and cut into shapes. Place on greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Bake for 15 minutes or until firm. Store in refrigerator. Makes about 24 cookies.

Dog Show Bait

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pork or beef liver
• 2 eggs (shell too)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup corn meal
• 1/2-cup soy flour
• 1/2-cup whole-wheat flour

Instructions:

Blend first five ingredients, add whole-wheat flour until stiff, but not dry. Press into 8x8" pan. Bake at 250°F. for about 1 hour. Cool, cut into squares and store. Use as needed.

Peanut Butter Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/3 cup wheat germ
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup salad oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients and mix on low until mixed. Make into 1 teaspoon sized balls and place on a non-greased cookie sheet. Flatten balls to 1/4 inch using tines of a fork. Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden. Makes 20 large cookies. After cooling you can cut them into fours for smaller treats.

No Salt Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup powdered dry milk
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 6 tbsp. no-salt margarine
• 1 egg
  1 tsp. brown sugar

Instructions:

Combine dry ingredients, cut in margarine and mix as pie dough. Beat sugar with egg and stir in. Add ½-cup cold water to make stiff dough. Knead on floured board and roll to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles 1X2 inches. Bake at 325°F until lightly browned on non-greased cookie sheet.

Oatmeal Wheat Germ Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole-wheat flour
• 3 cups oatmeal
• 1/2 cup regular wheat germ
• 5 tablespoons melted bacon drippings or margarine
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients together. Add remaining ingredients and blend until well mixed. Dough will be stiff. Chill for 30 minutes. Take rounded teaspoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 300°F for 1 hour.

Chicken Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 2 cups cracked wheat
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup powdered non-fat milk
• 3 tbsp. salt
• 2-1/2 - 3 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients. Add 2-1/2 cups broth, more if needed. Roll out dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 300°F for 45 minutes, turn off oven and let biscuits stand overnight. Store in canister.

1. I check my dog's stool in the yard everyday and do not see any worms; therefore, he / she does not have intestinal parasites.
   True
   False
2. Which of the following is NOT a dog vaccine?
   1. Rabies
   2. Parvovirus
   3. Distemper
   4. FeLV
3. Of the following, which is the BEST way to keep my dog's teeth and gums healthy?
   1. Rawhide
   2. Brushing with a vet approved dental paste and soft tooth brush
   3. Chew toys
   4. Tartar control diets
4. My dog has an ear infection. The best treatment is?
   1. Use a prescription from my other dog's ear infection
   2. See your veterinarian immediately
   3. Clean the ears with baby oil or rubbing
   4. Clean the ears with a cotton swab
5. Which breed is known for its dark purple tongue?
   1. Papillon
   2. Chow Chow
   3. Puli
   4. Irish Wolfhound
6. My dog only goes out for walks in the yard, so he doesn't need to be on a heartworm preventative.
   True
   False
7. My housebroken dog is suddenly urinating in the house. What could this possibly mean?
   1. Bladder infection
   2. Diabetes
   3. Kidney failure
   4. Any of these
8. My dog scoots his rear on the floor everyday after going to the bathroom. This is just a silly behavior problem.
   True
   False
9. The best way to treat my older dog's achy joints is?
   1. Tylenol
   2. Acetaminophen
   3. An approved canine anti-inflammatory drug
   4. Any of these are fine
10. When is the usual time to spay or neuter my dog?
    1. 5-6 months old
    2. 1 year old
    3. 18 months old
    4. After he or she is fully grown

Answers

1. False, 2. 4, 3. 2, 4. 2, 5. 2
6. False, 7. 4, 8. False, 9. 3, 10. 1

Have you ever wondered what your pet is up to when you're away at work or on vacation? Perhaps they're quietly hanging out, anxiously awaiting your return, but more likely they're romping, playing and taking advantage of your absence to climb up on the furniture. But thanks to high-speed internet connections and advances in webcams, you can keep an eye on your pet at all times using pet cams.

Pet cams are webcams set up to monitor your pet. Hooked up to a computer with an internet connection, a pet cam can stream live video footage to a website that you can view from just about anywhere. Pet cams are handy for both keeping watch over your pet to make sure he or she isn't hurt or injured while you're away and for just watching your pet be him or herself. Computer-savvy pet owners often set up whole websites devoted to their pet cam. There are pet cams for almost every kind of pet, from sites devoted to dogs and cats to guinea pig and lizard cams. Websites such as pet-cams.com are a good place to start viewing how other pet cams are set-up. Pet-cams.com offers links to individual pets' sites, such as Guinness the Dog and The Little Beasts, a site devoted to Emrys and Bergamot, a pair of Boston Terriers.

You don't necessarily need to create a website in order to watch your pets via a pet cam, though. Services like MyPetCams.com is a free site that allows users to stream their pet cam on the MyPetCams.com website. Users can log in to their account from any place with an internet connection and see what their pet is doing.

Pet sitters, doggy daycare providers and other animal care providers are also on the pet cam bandwagon. Pet cams can give pet owners peace of mind when their companion is spending the day at a daycare or pet sitting facility. The site MyPetSitterCam.com acts as a pet cam portal for pet sitters. Once an account is established and a camera hooked up, pet sitters provide their clients with an web address where they can view the camera and watch their pets. Doggy daycare providers are also installing cameras in their facilities in order to give clients a pup's-eye-view of what's happening. Many companies are starting to take notice - Online Doggy helps kennels, daycares and other pet care providers install and connect pet cams to their websites. Other options include the Rover Cam, a small wireless camera that is attached to a harness on a dog, which truly let's pet owners see the world through their dog's eyes.

Please follow these guidelines to protect your pet during the winter months.

Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, cats can freeze, become lost or stolen, or be injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies.

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warm. Then, when the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine. This will give a cat the chance to escape.

When walking your dog on snow or ice, never let him or her off the leash. This is particularly important during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and easily become lost. They may panic in a snowstorm and run away. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season.

Thorougly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he or she comes in out of the rain, snow or ice. Check his or her sensitive paw pads. Paw pads may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Also, salt, antifreeze or other chemicals could hurt your dog if he or she ingests them while licking his or her paws.

If you own a short-haired dog, consider getting him or her a warm coat or sweater. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.

Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your pet could freeze to death.

If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed, take him outdoors only long enough to relieve him or her self.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. They may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. Patience is necessary.

If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply of food. Increasing the amount of protein is particularly important in order to keep his or her fur thick and healthy.

Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisonings, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than the traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Do not hesitate to call your veterinarian if you suspect that your pet has been poisoned.

During the winter months, never shave your dog down to the skin. A long coat provides more warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure he or she is completely dry before you take her out for a walk.

Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep. This should be far away from all drafts and off the floor. A dog or cat bed, with a warm pillow and blanket, is ideal.