Dec. 27/2023

Christmas Animals: Animals Associated With Christmas Around The World Part 2

12/ 6/2023 by Active Wild Admin

activewild.com

Camel 🐫 

Camels are members of the genus Camelus. There are 3 species of camel: the dromedary, which has one hump; & the Bactrian & wild Bactrian, both of which have 2 humps.

Both the dromedary & the Bactrian camel are domesticated animals, & are used for transport & as pack animals. The wild Bactrian camel is found in the wild in Asia, & is Critically Endangered.

The 3 camel species are members of the mammal family Camelidae, which also includes animals such as llamas & alpacas.

The 3 Wise Men, or Magi, are said to have traveled to Bethlehem on camels. The animals are often included in the Nativity scene.

Sheep 🐑 

Scientific name: Ovis aries

Conservation status: Domestic

Sheep are mammals in the subfamily Caprinae, which also contains goats. Caprinae is part of the family Bovidae, which includes related animals such as bison, buffalo, antelopes, & cattle. Members of this family are known as bovids.

Male sheep are known as ‘rams‘; female sheep are known as ‘ewes‘.

Like all bovids, sheep are hoofed animals with a complex digestive system that allows them to live on plants (such as grass) that other animals would find hard to digest. By regurgitating their food & chewing it for a second time as ‘cud’, sheep can break down these tough plants.

Sheep are a traditional part of the Christmas Nativity scene. In the Gospel of Luke, angels announce the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds who are tending their flock.

Goat 🐐 

Scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus

Conservation status: Domestic

Goats, like sheep, are members of the subfamily Caprinae. (Caprinae is part of the family Bovidae, which contains related hooved animals such as cattle & antelopes.)

The domestic goat is descended from the wild goat Capra hircus, a species still found in Asia.

In Scandinavia & other parts of northern Europe, the Yule Goat plays a part in traditional Christmas celebrations.

Yule goat ornaments are placed under the Christmas tree, & larger Yule goats made of straw may be seen as part of a town’s decorations.

Wren 

Scientific name: Troglodytes troglodytes

Conservation status: Least Concern

The wren plays a part in the traditional Christmas festivities of Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man & other European countries. In some regions, the day after Christmas is known as ‘Wren Day’.

Traditionally, a real wren was hunted & then paraded through the town in order to collect money for festivities. This tradition has several variations, although today an imitation wren is used in place of a real one.

The Eurasian wren, the bird around which the traditions are based, is a tiny brown species with a surprisingly loud call. It is one of  88 members of the wren family, Troglodytidae, & the only one found in Europe. It is the third-smallest bird found in the UK.

Penguins🐧

Penguins are flightless birds found mainly in cold, southerly regions of the Southern Hemisphere.

Only one species of penguin, the Galápagos penguin, is found in the Northern Hemisphere. It lives on the Galápagos Islands, which are located on the Equator.

Although clumsy on land, penguins are excellent swimmers. Instead of flying in the air, these aquatic birds use their short, powerful wings to ‘fly’ through the water.

Penguins are associated with Christmas because they live in cold climates. They are often seen on Christmas cards alongside polar bears & reindeer. In real life this would be impossible, as most penguins literally live on the other side of the world to polar bears & reindeer!

(Polar bears & reindeer live in Arctic regions in the Northern Hemisphere; penguins live around Antarctica & other regions of the Southern Hemisphere.)

Santa Claus would definitely not be able to see penguins from the window of his North Pole workshop!

The largest penguin species is the emperor penguin, which reaches heights of up to 1 m / 39 in.

Ox 🐂 

Scientific name: Bos taurus

Conservation status: Domestic

The ox, together with the ass (or donkey) is part of a traditional Christmas nativity scene. Both animals are mentioned in the Book of Isaiah.

Oxen are domesticated cattle that are used in a number of roles, including transporting goods & pulling ploughs. Cattle were first domesticated over 10,000 years ago.

Boar 🐗 

Scientific name: Sus scrofa

Conservation status: Least Concern

The wild boar is a large member of the pig family Suidae. It is found throughout much of Europe & Asia & in parts of Africa. The wild boar has also been introduced to North America & Australia.

A boar was traditionally part of the Yuletide feast in Nordic countries. Norsemen would place their hands on the Yule Boar & make oaths which they would have to fulfil.

Today, pork is still a traditional dish during the Christmas period in Norway.

Rooster 🐓 

                                        Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus

Conservation status: Domestic

In Spain & Spanish-speaking countries around the world, a Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass), is celebrated on or around Christmas Eve. The celebrations often involve a chicken dish of some kind.

Roosters are male chickens. A domestic chicken is a subspecies of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), a species native to tropical Asia.

Cute Christmas Critters:

Christmas Chuckle:

Dec. 20/2023

 

Christmas Animals Part 1

12/ 6/ 2023 

by Active Wild Admin

activewild.com

Reindeer 

Scientific name: Rangifer tarandus

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Reindeer are large deer found in cold, northerly regions in the northern hemisphere. In North America, reindeer are known as ‘caribou’.

The antlers of the male reindeer are the second-largest of all deer; only the moose’s are larger. Reindeer / caribou are the only deer species in which females have antlers.

Reindeer (caribou) in Canada make the longest migration of any (non-flying) land animal. In a single year they can travel as far as 3,000 miles / 5,000 km.

Reindeer have become closely associated with Christmas since the early nineteenth century. In the traditional festive legend, Santa Claus’s sleigh is pulled by a team of 9 reindeer: Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donner, Prancer, Vixen, & Rudolph, the ‘red-nosed reindeer’.

Donkey 🫏

Scientific name: Equus africanus asinus

Conservation status: Domestic

The donkey is a member of the family Equidae, which is also home to horses, asses, & zebras.

Donkeys are descended from the African wild ass, a critically endangered species found in deserts & other harsh, dry regions in East Africa.

Donkeys were first domesticated around 5,000 years ago, & continue to be used as pack animals in many parts of the world today.

Donkeys are one of the animals most strongly associated with Christmas; Mary rode a donkey as she traveled to Bethlehem with Joseph.

Polar Bear 🐻 

Scientific name: Ursus maritimus

Conservation status: Vulnerable

The polar bear is a member of the bear family, Ursidae. It is found in & around the Arctic, & has a number of adaptations for living in this cold, inhospitable region.

Of the 8 species of bear, the polar bear is the largest (on average) & the most carnivorous. 

The white fur of the polar bear provides camouflage against the snow & ice. Underneath this cozy fur coat is a thick layer of fat, which prevents heat from escaping.

The polar bear’s huge feet help it to walk over the snow without sinking, & also help it to swim.

Although the polar bear isn’t a traditional Christmas animal, it is associated with snow (& therefore, winter) & often appears on Christmas cards.

Robin

Scientific name: Erithacus rubecula

Conservation status: Least Concern

An animal associated with Christmas in the British Isles is the robin. This small bird is a common sight in woods & gardens in the British Isles & throughout much of Europe.

The robin is associated with Christmas because it is one of the most frequently-seen garden birds during the winter months.

The robin is easily identified by its red breast. Another species with a red breast, the American robin, is so-named because it reminded European settlers in North America of the European robin. Although both birds are called robins, they belong to different families & are only distantly related.

Cardinal (Northern) 

Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis

Conservation status: Least Concern

The cardinal is a striking North American bird known for its vibrant red plumage, making it easily recognizable & iconic in North America.

Male cardinals are especially eye-catching, with brilliant crimson feathers, a distinctive crest on their heads, & a black mask around their eyes. In contrast, females have a more subdued appearance with a soft brownish-red coloration.

These birds are not only admired for their striking appearance but also for their melodic & clear whistling songs, which are a delightful part of the spring & summer soundscape.

Cardinals are year-round residents in many parts of the United States & Canada, adding a touch of color & charm to gardens & woodlands throughout the year.

The vibrant red plumage of cardinals makes them a popular bird to represent the holiday season.

Turkey 🦃 

Scientific name: Meleagris gallopavo

Conservation status: Least Concern / Domestic

Turkey forms part of the traditional Christmas meal in many English-speaking countries. Turkeys farmed for food are domesticated wild turkeys. The domesticated turkey & wild turkey are the same species, with the scientific name Meleagris gallopavo.

Wild turkeys are native to North America, where they are the largest game bird. Despite their large size they are fast, powerful flyers.

Male turkeys are around twice the size of females, & have red wattles (fleshy growths) on the neck & colorful, iridescent feathers. Females are brown / gray in color.

Partridge 

Partridges are members of the bird family Phasianidae, which also includes pheasants, chickens, turkeys & several other groups of gamebirds. Partridges are Old World species, & are not native to North America, although the gray partridge has been introduced to the continent.

The partridge has become associated with Christmas due to its appearance in the English carol ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, in which a ‘partridge in a pear tree’ is one of the 12 gifts sent to the singer by their ‘true love’.

Real life partridges are ground-nesting birds, & would not usually be seen in pear trees!

Turtle Dove (European)

Scientific name: Streptopelia turtur

Conservation status: Vulnerable

The turtle dove, like the ‘partridge in a pear tree’, is another of the gifts mentioned in the Christmas song ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’.

The turtle dove is a small member of the family Columbidae, which includes all pigeons & doves.

It is unlikely that the turtle dove is actually seen in Europe at Christmas, as it is a migratory species that spends the winter in southern Africa.

Today, due both to hunting & a change in farming methods, the turtle dove is threatened, & has the conservation status of ‘Vulnerable’.‘

‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ may be a traditional English song, but the turtle dove is on the brink of extinction in the UK.

Cute Christmas Critters:

Christmas Chuckle:

Dec. 13/2023

 

22 Holiday Items That Can Harm Your Pets

By PetMD Editorial

By Helen Anne Travis

Reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP 

9/29/2023

petmd.com

The holidays bring plenty of joy & celebrations, but the merrymaking could put your pet in harm’s way. Many of the decorations, foods, & festivities we associate with the holidays could cause big problems for your pet, putting them at risk for everything from indigestion to death.

Here's a list of potential holiday pet hazards, plus tips for keeping your pets safe this season.

1. Fatty Foods

People often use the holidays as an opportunity to indulge in rich, fattening foods. But you’re not doing your pets any favors by sharing your favorite holiday treats with them, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, of New York City’s Animal Acupuncture.

In dogs, “these rich foods can result in pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that causes vomiting & diarrhea,” she says, & both dogs & cats can develop an upset stomach when they eat anything out of the ordinary.

2. Chocolate 🍫 

Who doesn’t snack on sweet treats during the holidays? However, our pets should not be able to get their paws on any chocolate.

Dogs have a sweet tooth & amazing noses, says Dr. Tina Wismer, Medical Director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. If that combination leads them to a plate of brownies or a box of dark chocolates, they can develop vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, & heart failure.

Chocolate is toxic to cats as well as dogs & causes many of the same symptoms. So, it’s important to keep your chocolate treats safely stored away from your pets.

3. Grapes & Raisins 🍇

Whether they’re part of a fruit plate or dried raisins in a fruitcake, grapes & raisins should never be accessible to pets.

Dr. Barrack explains that grapes & raisins are toxic for dogs & can lead to acute kidney failure. While cats are less inclined to eat grapes, they can still be harmful for them as well.

4. Sugar-Free Candies & Pastries 🍬🍰

Another potentially dangerous treat is sugar-free pastries & candies, says Dr. Wismer. These often contain the sugar substitute xylitol. In dogs, this can cause low blood sugar levels & liver failure.

5. Onions & Garlic 🧅🧄

On the savory side, onions & garlic can affect red blood cells & cause anemia when consumed in excessive amounts, says Dr. Wismer. 

Keep all forms—raw, cooked, chopped, or powdered—out of your pet’s reach, & call your vet right away if you suspect that your pet has ingested onions or garlic. Cats are especially susceptible to onion & garlic toxicity.

6. Meat Bones 🍗

Dogs might enjoy having a nice big bone to chew on, but cooked meat bones can splinter & cause a blockage or lacerations in the gastrointestinal tract, says Dr. Barrack. Raw bones have less of a chance of splintering, but they can transmit disease-causing pathogens. Chewing on anything hard can also cause broken teeth.

Instead of giving them to your pup, throw those leftover turkey or chicken bones in the trash & stick to pet-safe treats.

7. Alcohol 🍺

Pets should never be given alcohol, says Dr. Barrack, because it depresses the nervous system. Dogs & cats can get drunk just like people, says Dr. Wismer, & alcohol poisoning can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, body temperature, & blood sugar levels, plus tremors, seizures, comas, & death.

Mixed drinks can be especially problematic. They’re stronger than beer & wine, & many holiday drinks are made with a dairy base (such as White Russians & eggnog), which is attractive to dogs & cats.

8. Poinsettias

Most holiday plants, such as poinsettias, can cause mild oral irritation & gastrointestinal distress, says Dr. Barrack. Symptoms of irritation from poinsettias include:

-Drooling

-Licking lips

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

Though it’s best to keep this holiday plant away from cats & dogs, medical treatment is rarely necessary for pets that ingest poinsettias.

9. Lilies

Other plants are far more dangerous. Even tiny amounts of certain types of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, says Dr. Barrack. Lilies can also cause problems for your dog, too. Lily exposure in dogs can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, & other symptoms.

The lilies that are especially dangerous to cats include:

-Tiger lilies

-Day lilies

-Asiatic lilies

-Easter lilies

-Japanese Show lilies

10. Holly

If ingested, holly plants can cause vomiting & diarrhea in cats & dogs, says Dr. Barrack. Injuries from their spiny leaves can also cause excessive drooling, lip smacking, & headshaking.

11. Mistletoe

You might want to hang up traditional mistletoe, but this popular Christmas decoration should be kept away from pets. If ingested, the plant can cause stomach problems. Large amounts may lead to hypotension, seizures, & even death, says Dr. Barrack.

12. Candles 🧨

Whether you’re lighting a menorah, adding ambiance to your dinner setting, or placing candles in the window, be sure to keep pets far away from open flames.

“Hanukkah is the festival of lights, but make sure your pet cannot come into contact with a lit menorah,” says Dr. Barrack.

Dr. Wismer agrees: “We don’t want anyone knocking the table over or setting their tails on fire.” Don’t assume that a curious cat would never jump up on a mantle or table & accidentally catch their tail in the flame.

13. Christmas Trees 🎄

While the Christmas tree is an essential part of holiday decor for many families, your pets see it more as a new toy to explore. You will need to take some precautionary measures to keep your Christmas tree safe from pets—& vice versa.

Cats are especially curious about Christmas trees. Whether your tree is real or fake, make sure it’s properly secured & has some sort of barrier to deter cats from going for a climb, says Dr. Barrack. In addition to ruining your decorating work, cats could injure themselves in the tree.

If your tree is real, don’t let cats or dogs drink from the water reservoir—especially if you use a fertilizer. Drinking this stagnant water can cause vomiting & diarrhea.

14. Ornaments & Snow Globes 🔮

Aside from the tree itself, the ornaments can also pose a hazard. Glass ornaments can break, cutting pets’ paws or faces, says Dr. Barrack. If ingested, they can also cause gastrointestinal blockages & lacerations.

Snow globes & bubble-shaped holiday lights may also contain poisonous chemicals such as ethylene glycol, she says, which can cause kidney failure in pets.

15. Tinsel, String, & Ribbons 🪡

“Tinsel is one of the most dangerous items that we can put on the tree,” says Dr. Wismer. It’s made from plastic or metal, which can cut through a curious cat’s digestive tract, so it’s best to skip this shiny tree-topper.

Strings of popcorn or cranberries, as well as ribbons on presents, can cause similar problems for pets.

16. Electrical Cords

Electrical cords can present a hazard for pets as well. And during the holiday season, there always tends to be more around the house for the decorations & lights.

“If chewed, live electrical cords can cause oral burns, seizures, & even death,” says Dr. Barrack. Make sure to keep holiday lighting unplugged & out of reach when pets are unsupervised.

17. Houseguests 👨‍👩‍👧

“We always talk about grandma's purse being one of the most dangerous things in the house for pets,” says Dr. Wismer. It can contain items like medications, sugar-free gum, & over-the-counter pain meds, all of which can be bad news for pets.

Ask guests not to leave bags or purses on the floor. If they’re staying the night, keep the guest room door closed so pets don’t get into their suitcases.

Having lots of people in the home can also be stressful for dogs & cats, Dr. Barrack says, so give your pet a safe & quiet place to relax. Changes made to the home, like moving a litter box out of a guest room or changing your dog walking routine, can cause a lot of stress for pets.

There’s also the danger that indoor pets can get loose if the front or back door is left open. Make sure your pets have collars & microchips, Dr. Wismer says.

18. Heaters & Warming Devices 🔥

Space heaters, heated blankets, & other warming devices could cause trouble if your pet knocks them over, tangles the cords, or moves them from their original position.

You should also never use kerosene heaters indoors, warns Dr. Wismer. These could pose a carbon monoxide risk, potentially poisoning you & your pets.

19. Fireplaces

Another heating hazard is the fireplace, including fire logs. “For some reason, dogs love to chew on these,” Dr. Wismer says. They’re not poisonous, but they could cause an obstruction in the dog’s digestive tract.

Also be sure to clean the ashes out of the fireplace. They’re very alkaline, Dr. Wismer says, & could cause burns if ingested.

20. Cleaning Supplies

Whether you’re getting the house ready for holiday guests or cleaning up after them, keep pets far away from cleaning supplies that contain chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, & chlorine. 

“Even all-natural products can cause stomach irritation,” says Dr. Barrack. Some of the essential oils used in “natural” cleaning products are quite toxic, especially to cats. “Keep your pets in a separate area until all recently cleaned surfaces are dry,” she says.

21. Rock Salt 🧂

While there have been many innovations in making rock salt safer for pets, the reality is that not all municipalities have made the switch. Protect your pets’ paws with dog boots, or wash their feet thoroughly after each winter walk.

Rock salts & other ice-melting chemicals can cause stomach upset or, potentially, electrolyte problems when they’re swallowed, says Dr. Wismer. When trapped in your pet’s paws, they can also cause abrasions & ulcerations that lead to pain & infection.

22. Antifreeze

There have also been moves to make antifreeze less appealing to pets by adding a bittering agent that discourages them from lapping it up. But it’s not a foolproof solution. Safer pet-friendly types of antifreeze are available, but who knows what type of antifreeze is dripping out of your neighbor’s car!

Always clean up antifreeze spills thoroughly & call your vet if you suspect that your pet has ingested even a drop. Antifreeze can cause kidney failure & death.

Cute Christmas Critters:

Christmas Chuckle:

Dec. 6/2023

9 Pet Health Myths You Should Stop Believing

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP 

4/23/2023

There are so many commonly accepted myths that sometimes it’s hard to know what’s true & what’s not. You may even have “evidence” that these things are true or come across a blog that backs them up. That’s why we’ve put together some of the most common pet health myths you should not believe & explain the truth beyond the myth.

Myth 1: I don’t see any fleas on my pet, so they don’t have fleas.

This is a myth! Believe it or not, 95% of the fleas in your house at any given time do not live on your pet. The vast majority of fleas in an environment aren’t adult fleas, which is what you are likely to see when you’re looking for them on your pet.

However, these problematic little creatures spend most of their time in the house as “babies”—eggs, larvae, & pupae. These stages of the life cycle are ones you will never see. Just one adult female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her short lifetime, so finding a single flea can be a problem.

To make matters worse, many adult fleas are removed when your pet is cleaning, making it even less likely that you will see them. So even if you aren’t seeing fleas, they may very well be there. Check in the fur for flea dirt, which looks like tiny dark specks, as well as for excessive scratching & sores created from your pet scratching after fleas bite.

The only way to ensure that your pet does not have fleas is to keep them on a prescription flea prevention year-round.

Myth 2: Cat health problems aren’t as expensive as dog health problems.

Both dogs & cats get chronic health problems that require testing & medications to treat. Many people have the misconception that treating a sick cat will be less costly than treating a sick dog.

While it’s true that many cats are smaller than most dogs, & therefore medications (which are often dosed based on body weight) may be less expensive, it costs just as much for basic health care.

For example, an X-ray on a cat or a dog (or a human) will cost the same. This is also true for basic blood work. It is also equally expensive to place an IV catheter on a cat as it is a dog (although a big dog might need more fluids, which would cost more).

Up to 35% of pet owners admit that they underestimated the cost of their pets, so you are not alone if you thought your kitty would be a less expensive option than a dog. The fact is that, over the long haul, cat care is likely to be only slightly less expensive than dog care, if at all.

Myth 3: Pets destroy things & pee on things out of spite.

Myth busted! Animals do not experience emotions such as “spite,” nor do they, generally, feel “guilty” when we yell at them—although they may look it.

Most of the time, animals destroy things because they’re bored & were looking to entertain themselves when no one else was around. These pets often need more exercise &/or mental stimulation & training.

An animal that is urinating in the home is generally delivering a very specific message—that there is either a health problem or something unsuitable about the litter box/bathroom setup. Pets that are peeing in the house or peeing outside the litter box likely need a veterinary visit.

Myth 4: Feeding table scraps is OK.

Who doesn’t like to share a little bite from the table when approached with those adorable, begging eyes? It won’t do any harm, right? Wrong!

The digestive tract of pets isn’t designed to process the high-fat/high-carb diet of their human family. Therefore, it isn’t uncommon for pets to suffer serious digestive problems after eating people food.

Pancreatitis is the most worrisome, as it can be fatal. Longer-term concerns are weight gain &/or malnutrition. If you really want to share with your pet, stick with vegetables that aren’t treated with butter or seasonings.

Myth 5: Shorthaired pets shed less.

False! All of that fur needs to be turned over just as frequently in shorthaired pets as in longhaired pets. You might not notice it as much, of course, because it is shorter. A bonus myth is that shorthaired pets are less allergenic. Not true, either! Most people’s allergies are to proteins in the animal’s saliva, not their coat.

Myth 6: A warm nose means your pet is sick.

False again! A warm nose simply means your pet has a warm nose. Nose temperature is a reflection of the surrounding environment (such as room temperature & humidity) more than a measurement of health. If your pet has a warm nose & otherwise seems to be acting completely normal, there likely is nothing to worry about.

Myth 7: It is OK for pets to lick their wounds.

This myth is wrong on several fronts. When pets lick their wounds, they deposit all of the bacteria living in their mouth directly into the sore, setting the stage for infection. Plus, the rough barbs on the tongue inflame & irritate the tissue around the wound, making the sore more painful.

And, of course, because it hurts, the animal licks more—& a vicious cycle ensues. Some pets will take a tiny cut & make it several inches longer in just a few hours. As unhappy as it can be for all parties involved, pets with a wound should wear an E-collar to ensure that they cannot lick or bite the sore before it is totally healed.

Myth 8: Dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit.

This is only partially true. Most dogs that eat grass do not vomit afterward. In fact, many behaviorists think that grass eating is a normal behavior that dogs just enjoy!

Sometimes pets do eat grass & then vomit. So, did the animal eat the grass to soothe an upset stomach, or did the grass make them sick? It’s a chicken-&-egg question. Grass can be treated with fertilizers & pest control that can make a dog sick.

What we do know is that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, & only 10% show signs of illness before eating grass. So, chances are, in most cases, the 2 behaviors are unrelated. Dogs eat grass just to eat grass, get roughage, & be dogs.

Myth 9: Your pet only needs to go to the vet when they are sick.

An important myth busted! The best way to prevent serious illness in your pet is to have regular veterinary visits so that problems can be noticed, identified, & corrected early. Not all problems can be prevented, but seeing your veterinarian at least once a year (twice a year if your pet is over the age of 7), whether your pet is due for vaccines or not, will likely prevent a larger problem down the road.

Cute Christmas Critters:

Christmas Chuckle: