February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day! The health benefits associated with having a furry or feathered friend are well-documented. An animal companion can help with everything from reducing the risk of depression to lowering blood pressure. So it’s only fitting that we take good care of our pets in return.In honor of Love Your Pet Day, we are sharing a few tips for creating Healthy treats, as well as a list of things to avoid that can be harmful to your pets.
Foods that are Harmful to Pets
Let’s focus on safety first. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals maintains an Animal Poison Control Center where pet owners can call for advice. Foods that can cause serious illness to a pet include:
- Alcohol
- Artificial sweeteners (watch out for discarded gum)
- Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions
- Salty foods
- Yeast dough
Many human medications and over-the-counter medicines can also be harmful to pets. If your pet accidentally ingests one, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 for help immediately.
Give Your Best Friend a Treat on Love Your Pet Day
What can you do to celebrate the unconditional love your pet gives to you?
Treat them to a healthy snack you prepare yourself!
• Dog Treat Kitchens: This website is home to recipes for a variety of Healthy Treats and snacks you can make for your dog. They even have recommendations for dogs with special dietary conditions, such as obesity and intolerance to wheat.
• Healthy cat treats: While felines are known for being a bit persnickety, most probably won’t turn their nose up at a tasty, homemade treat. Sites like Style Tails and Mess for Less have some healthy recipes to help you get started.
• For the birds: Not all pet companions have four legs. Birds are a popular choice for older adults because they are easy to care for. You can bake healthy treats for your feathered friend using natural ingredients, too. The Spruce has some quick and easy recipes to try.
Pets are Welcome at Sunrise
At Sunrise, we understand the important role animals play in our lives. That’s why you will find a resident cat or dog at each of our communities. They are adopted from local shelters and cared for by residents and staff alike.
We celebrated our animals this year with the first-ever #PetsofSunrise Facebook contest! Visit our Facebook page to see more than 60 adorable photos of Sunrise pets.
This post first appeared on Sunrise Blog | Sunrise Senior Living, please read the originial post: here
