Q: My kids are big fans, but I have a question this Christmas season. Can all reindeer fly?
A: A: Only Santa’s reindeer can fly. But even ordinary reindeer have the characteristics that make them special.
Reindeer, also known as caribou, is the only mammal that can see UV light. This makes it easier to find lichens to eat and avoid predators by finding urine and fur deposits.
In addition, only males of most deer seeds grow antlers, but both male and female reindeer wear flashy headgear. In fact, reindeer horns are larger and heavier than the antlers that decorate other deer seeds.
Mature males drop antler in November and early December, and females and young males drop antler in spring. The Christmas painting depicts Santa’s reindeer with antlers, so his sleigh is probably pulled by a female and a young man.
Before Santa’s reindeer travels around the world, veterinarians examine it to make sure it is healthy, vaccinated, and free of infectious diseases. Santa does not want reindeer to spread the disease around the world.
The veterinarian will fill out the official health certificate for each reindeer.
Similar health certificates are required before animals, including dogs and cats, move from one state or country to another. Therefore, if you plan to travel with your pet during this holiday season, ask your veterinarian to inspect your pet and issue a medical certificate.
Your child can track Santa’s reindeer Christmas Eve journey at noradsanta.org.
Q: This holiday season, I’m planning to make a treat for my dog friends. Do you have a favorite recipe?
A: A: What a delicious idea! Fortunately, there are many homemade dog treat recipes on the internet. You will surely find something wonderful.
Some recipes contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, so take a closer look at each recipe.
For example, some dog biscuit recipes require garlic powder or onion salt. In dogs, garlic and onions destroy red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. This condition, called hemolytic anemia, can be fatal.
If your recipe requires a baby food for meat, check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain garlic or onions.
Another popular ingredient in homemade dog treats is peanut butter. Some brands contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. It causes liver failure and lowers blood sugar levels so much that dogs can lose coordination, have seizures and die.
You may see recipes for “chocolate” treats for dogs. These should use carob chips or powder, not chocolate that is toxic to dogs.
In addition, do not use raisins or grapes to make treats. It can cause renal failure in dogs. Also avoid macadamia nuts and walnuts.
Do not give raw meat treats as they can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in pets and their people.
Treats do not constitute a complete and balanced nutrition, so they should be less than 10% of caloric intake for healthy dogs and less than 5% for overweight dogs.
I commend your efforts. Your homemade dog treat will surely help your dog friends enjoy their vacation.
VMD’s Lee Pickett practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina.Contact her at
[email protected]
