The cold of the winter months is warmed with holiday celebrations. Sadly, the holiday season is a peak time for veterinary clinics seeing emergency cases. This holiday season, make holiday pet safety a priority with these helpful tips.
Have a Plan
Before an emergency comes up, make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic. Ask your regular veterinarian in advance about any emergency clinic recommendations they may have. You should also plan your travel route to the emergency clinic, so you're not struggling to find it when tensions are high in a stressful situation.
You should also always have these numbers readily available:
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435
24/7 emergency veterinary clinic
Your regular veterinarian (if different)
Be Mindful of Human Food
Like any time of year, your pets should not consume human food. During the holiday season, people want to share treats with their pets. If you want to involve your pets in the festivities, consider purchasing seasonal treats made special for them.
Here are a few of the common holiday human food items that should never be given to your pets:
Yeast dough
Grapes/raisins
Onions
Gravy
Meat fat
Turkey/turkey skin
Sweets
Chocolate
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
EMERGENCY ACTION
Call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately if you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn't have. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435).
Keep an Eye on Decorations
Decorations like your Christmas tree, lights, and greenery, pose dangerous temptations for our pets. Keep an eye on these festive holiday decorations to avoid safety concerns with your pet:
Potpourri
Candles
Flowers/festive plants (holly, cedar, pine, balsam, mistletoe, amaryllis)
Electric lights
Tinsel
Ornaments
Christmas trees
Know How to Safely Host Company
We’ve discussed house guests and pets and the stress it can put on our furry friends. Keep a few tips in mind when it comes to safely hosting company this holiday season:
Take out trash as often as possible
Clear food from tables and counters
Make sure your pets have ID tags and microchips
Keep a close eye on exits
Put nervous pets in another room or safe crate with distractions
Let your guests know about pets
Find out if your guests are bringing pets
Make sure your pets have a quiet retreat
Help Ease Holiday Stress in Your Pets with Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture
There is no denying the benefits of veterinary acupuncture when it comes to developing pain management plans for your pets, but did you know it can also be an effective stress management technique as well, especially through the chaotic holiday season?
If you are interested in learning more about how veterinary acupuncture can help your pet, Dr. Kho is happy to discuss your concerns with you and determine whether your pet may benefit from acupuncture treatments.
Ultimately, the goal is to help your loved one have the best quality of life with you, and if you are unsure if they may be suffering from chronic pain, Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture can help!