AVMA's Top Ten List on Holiday Pet Health

PRNewswire/ -- Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), says he has a very unhappy holiday tradition -- treating pets that have become sick due to holiday excesses.

"From Thanksgiving through Christmas and into New Years, we'll see it every year at my practice, and, unfortunately, some of them can't be saved," Dr. Cook explains. "People want to involve their pets in the holiday celebrations, but people need to focus on keeping their pets healthy. That's the best gift."

Here are the AVMA's top ten holiday health tips:

-- Keep table scraps out of your pet's diet. "Salty, spicy and greasy" can be deadly for pets, Dr. Cook explains. Fatty foods can cause a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis in dogs, and bones can splinter in an animal's stomach. And make sure your dog can't get leftovers from the trash.

-- Chocolate should be out of reach of dogs because it's poisonous. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous -- with baker's chocolate being the most deadly.

-- Avoid sweets. A study reported in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2006 linked xylitol -- a common sweetener in baked goods, candy and chewing gum-with liver failure and death in dogs.

-- Give your pet healthy holiday snacks. Recipes are available on the Internet or visit a pet store/bakery. Ask your veterinarian about healthy treats.

-- Anchor your holiday tree. It's a temptation for pets, and, if it topples, it can cause severe injuries. And keep pets away from the tree water as tree preservatives and sap can cause gastrointestinal problems.

-- Never leave a pet alone with a lit candle or exposed flame, and be wary of exposed extension cords.

-- Don't let pets dine on holiday plants. Poinsettia, holly, cedar, balsam, pine and mistletoe are poisonous.

-- Be careful about ornaments. Cats sometimes consume tinsel and other small decorations, which can block intestines.

-- Don't go off to a holiday party and leave your pet with access to table scraps or anything that might be dangerous. If your dog gets sick while you're away ... it could be a tragic holiday.

-- Finally, don't give a pet as a holiday gift. Giving up a poorly-selected, new pet in January is heartbreaking.

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As Summer Winds Down, Yellowjacket Season Ramps Up

BUSINESS WIRE --Although early fall is typically marked by the return of packed schedules and back-to-school activities, it is also marked by the annual, though far less popular, return of yellowjackets. During this season, yellowjacket colonies are fully matured and begin to prepare their queens for starting new colonies during the winter months. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that yellowjacket activity, especially during this time, will become increasingly aggressive and continue to pose a major health threat.

Yellowjacket colonies typically live in large nests underground or built in deep, hollow areas such as eaves and attics. Yellowjackets are a resilient pest and if a nest is removed improperly, it is likely that members of the colony will not only survive but quickly rebuild their nest. Further, these pests feed on sweets and proteins, which make them common invaders of outdoor activities where food and beverages are present.

“When a yellowjacket nest is disturbed or threatened, hundreds of yellowjackets will swarm to defend the nest,” said Greg Baumann, senior scientist for NPMA. “These types of attacks can pose a serious threat and, in fact, are responsible for a significant number of the 500,000 ER visits every year due to stinging insects. It is critical to not only prevent infestations but also to take the necessary action of calling a licensed pest professional if a nest should appear in or around your property.”

If you suspect a yellowjacket infestation in or near your home, the NPMA offers homeowners these tips:

* Do not attempt to remove the nest on your own or swing/swat at yellowjackets as this can cause an aggressive reaction and/or cause repeated stinging.
* Keep windows and doors properly screened.
* Promptly remove garbage and store it in sealed receptacles.
* If stung and you have a reaction, seek immediate medical attention as reactions can be severe.

For more information regarding yellowjackets or to find a local pest professional, please visit: www.pestworld.org.

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