WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES DECEMBER 17, 2020 41
Aft er a diffi cult year, there’s one
thing most people can agree
on: They’re thankful for their
pets. According to a new Purina survey,
93% of consumers are grateful for
their pets this holiday season. During
this special time of year, we should
give them some extra attention and
love in return.
From decking the halls, to planning
the perfect pet-safe holiday
feast, there are a number of ways
to incorporate the dogs and cats we
love into the season. Dr. Kurt Venator,
DVM, PhD, and Chief Veterinary
Offi cer at Purina, has gathered some
pet-friendly tips for a safe and festive
holiday season.
Deck the Halls (Safely). While
beautifully festive, some holiday
plants can be poisonous or toxic, especially
to children and dogs. Steer
clear of holly, mistletoe and amaryllis
- all of which can make your dog sick
if ingested. If one of these plants has
been eaten by mistake, be sure to contact
your veterinarian immediately.
Skip the Table Scraps. It’s tempting
to slip our four-legged friends a taste
of the holiday foods we love this time
of year, but it’s best to stick to nutritionist
developed and science-backed
pet foods to avoid tummy trouble or
an emergency vet visit. Many holiday
favorites, from chocolate, grapes and
raisins to ingredients like onions,
can be hazardous to pets. Xylitol, an
artifi cial sweetener found in things
like gum, mints and candy can be
very hazardous to dogs even in very
small amounts. To make mealtime
more special for your dog or cat, try
mixing wet pet food with dry kibble
to add texture. Cats can especially
benefi t from the hydration boost that
wet food off ers.
Bring on the Cookie Swap. Instead
of sharing sweet treats with your
pets during the holidays, swap the
cookies for new pet treats during
your next shopping trip or online
order. There are so many textures
and fl avors available, it’s easy to keep
the wags and purrs coming. For dogs,
incorporate fl avors of the holiday
season with options like The Pioneer
Woman Bacon, Apple & Maple
Recipe Waffl es Dog Treats or The
Pioneer Woman Chicken Cranapple
Recipe Jerky Sticks Dog Treats. For
your feline friends, extend treat time
with breakable pieces of Fancy Feast
Savory Cravings cat treats. To avoid
extra holiday weight on your pets, be
sure to limit treats to be no more than
10% of their daily caloric intake.
Run, Run, Rudolph. Weather
permitting, take your dog on a long
walk or run to enjoy in the sights (and
smells) of the season and work off
holiday meals and extra treats. Just
be sure to clean off your pooch’s paws
aft erward if you’re walking on salted
sidewalks. If the weather outside is
frightful, engage in some indoor
games and playtime to give your dog
or cat the exercise and enrichment
needed to stay happy and healthy.
Purina pet enrichment expert, Alex
Johnson, put together 10 creative cat
and dog enrichment ideas that are
worth checking out.
— Courtesy of BPT
HOLIDAYS
Vet tips for a happy and healthy holiday season with your pets
Funeral Directors
John DiMario,
George H. Luhring
While Village Chapels Inc. is involved with death on a daily basis, we never forget
that completing all the necessary arrangements of a funeral service is a task most
families face only a few times. We can assist you in completing all of the
arrangements within your financial means and with the special preferences you
desire. Our intention is to help make every ceremony personal and meaningful,
and truly reflective of the life that was lived.
67-67 Eliot Avenue
Middle Village, NY 11379
Phone: 718-458-3000
www.villagechapels.com
As We Approach This Holiday Season Let Us
Keep Our Happy Memories And Make New Ones
We At Village Chapels Send Our Best Wishes To All
Have A Merry Christmas And A Healthy - Happy New Year
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