With the holiday shopping season well underway, it is estimated that American pet owners will spend millions of dollars on toys, treats and other pet decorations to put under the tree for their favorite animals.
Many Americans love to splurge, and the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) predicts this yuletide season will be no exception when it comes to people shopping and buying for their pets.
The CVMA advises pet owners and gift givers to use common sense when shopping for pet gift items. Among the advice offered:
Colors don’t matter to pets, but the colors added to treats and chews, in addition to not being healthful, may stain bedding and carpet when mixed with pet saliva.
Watch for flimsy construction and dangerous materials contained in thin rubber squeak toys that could be harmful to pets when consumed.
Stay away from toys that resemble common household items such as shoes or stuffed animals, which could lead to destructive chewing and other bad habits.
Know that Mylar and other ribbon consumed by cats can bunch up in cats’ intestines and prove potentially fatal.
Carefully read pet food labels and consult your veterinarian if your pet has any food allergies.