A Christmas Poem by Katz Piller DVM

​Cautionary Tales
 
it’s Christmas time again with tinsel and lights,
time to discern who’s naughty or nice!
children are dreaming of shiny new toys,
while kittens are planning their holiday ploys.
 
the ribbons and tinsel glitter and woo,
more tempting to chew than most other foods!
but sometimes a myriad of problems ensue,
like nausea and pain and softening of stool.
 
the mistletoe beckons the lovers to kiss,
but both this and holly do present risks,
for pets and for children, a lesson to teach,
is to keep toxic plants well out of reach.
 
electrical wires are chewy and soft,
but the pleasure enjoyed can come at great cost,
for electrical burns cause swelling and pain,
and airways constrict with fluid to drain.
 
the perils abound outside of the house,
far beyond eating the small poisoned mouse;
there’s sweet tasting anti-freeze, lethal to most,
and road salt that burns and poisons the host.
 
there’s frostbite for those left out in the cold,
the greatest at risk are the young and the old;
and cars are most often least understood,
by the pet who is suddenly bounced off the hood.
 
the stress for a pet of changing routine,
like missing a meal is worse than it seems;
urine may be left in the wake of the guests,
or gifts on the bed if they’re really upset!
 
so on with your Christmas plans as you will,
but let’s not forget your pet lives there still!
so let’s all play safe and have a good cheer,
for a wonderful Christmas and healthy New Year!
 
Katz Piller DVM