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The holiday season means
parties, family gatherings, lots of food,
Christmas tree, decorations and quite often
disaster for PONS who may experience
allergic reactions to holiday fare. Away
from the public eye, many PON owners contact
PON Digest privately and appeal for help in
dealing with PON reactions to holidays.
A major source of concern has to do with
live Christmas trees which harbor five times
the amount of mold after being in a
household for two weeks. PONS may react to
mold by scratching, developing hot spots,
digestive disturbances, running eyes and
being irritable. A possible solution lies in
utilizing trees of man-made materials or
shortening the amount of time that trees are
inside your home. Tinsel, ribbons and glass
ornaments which have been stored in dusty
areas may carry dust mites and mold as well,
although owners have cleaned them. Consider
purchasing new ornaments if you have a PON
who reacts to dust and mold.
We often hear about folks who react to
room sprays and perfumes, but often forget
that canines also react to them as well.
Avoid being distracted from holiday events
by PONS who become intensively itchy after
exposure to these snazzy holiday sprays.
Also avoid trying out new dog shampoo and
other grooming aids which may also trigger
unpleasant skin problems.
Some relatives think they are doing your
PON a favor by slipping him/her a tidbit
with wheat, high fat content, etc. during a
family gathering and this may also trigger a
powerful allergic reaction which may lead to
an unplanned visit to the emergency vet.
Strong winds blow about pollen and mold
during cold weather months and your PON may
react to a sudden increase in the pollen
count just as you are preparing that holiday
meal. So.......be prepared and keep an
antihistamine on hand if you know that your
PON has inhalant, contact and food
allergies. Consider talking with relatives
about the dangers of offering new foods and
keep a watchful eye out for those who think
they know best in your family. Make sure
your emergency vet's contact information is
on hand at all times. Good communication
and co-operation will make this upcoming
holiday a happy and healthy occasion for all
members of your family. |