Jingle all the way… to the emergency room!

A holiday guide to keeping your pet safe this season!

As we approach the busy holiday season, it is a good reminder that it is never too early to consider your pet’s health and safety.

Here are some tips to minimize your chances of a holiday ER visit.

Toxic treats:

Make sure all holiday candies and food are away and out of reach. Be cautious of treats approved for pets that contain excessive coloring and icing, as they can cause irritation and inflammation in their gastrointestinal tract.

Table scraps:

I promise, your emotional guilt is coming from a place of love and equality, but it is not worth having your animal in pain, needing an ER visit, because you felt like they needed table food. Ensure your pets are out of the way during meals if you cannot resist sneaking them a snack.

Decorations:

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like decorating! Let’s ensure they stay on the tree and not become a linear foreign body. Be mindful of electrical cords and holiday lights, as they can cause electrical burns or electrocution.

Holiday Tree:

Pine needles can irritate the throat and cause vomiting, diarrhea, or obstruction if consumed. Tree water may contain harmful bacteria or chemicals that can make your pet sick.

Routine:

To reduce stress during family visits, try to facilitate your pet's care now and keep them in a safe, quiet place to decompress if needed. Make sure all doors are closed and not left open during the initial greetings, risking a runaway reindeer.

Travel:

If you are leaving for the holidays, it is a good idea to have a list of emergency contact numbers handy for your pet sitter.

Stock up on necessities:

Things like food, litter, and medications should be stocked in advance to help avoid last-minute, stressful situations.

Chemicals:

If you live in a winter wonderland, be sure to spend a little extra to put paw safe rock salt to avoid chemical burns on paw pads. This one is my favorite:

Toys and gift wrapping materials:

Batteries needed for toys can cause chemical burns to the mouth and esophagus if bitten into. Any holiday packaging, like ribbons, wire twists, or bows, should be disposed of immediately so your pet does not consume them.

Toxic plants:

Poinsettia, lilies, holly, and mistletoe, big NO!