Keeping Your Pets Safe Over the Holidays.

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and unfortunately, an uptick in pet emergencies. At Vet At Your Door, we see it every year: chocolate ingestion, tummy aches from rich holiday foods, and stress-related issues from disrupted routines. While we're always here when you need us, we want to help you avoid these situations altogether. Below is what you need to know to keep your pets safe this holiday season.

Holiday Foods: The Hidden Dangers

Your holiday table is full of foods that can seriously harm your pets. Here are the main culprits:

Chocolate is the most common cause of holiday pet poisonings. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. If your pet gets into chocolate, call us immediately, or if we aren’t immediately available, call an emergency hospital or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 – even if they seem fine. Toxicity can develop over several hours.

Fatty foods like prime rib, gravy, and buttery side dishes can trigger pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that is a painful and potentially serious condition. Cooked bones from your holiday roast can splinter and cause internal damage. Your pet doesn't need a special holiday meal – try to stick to their regular food.

Other common hazards include:

• Xylitol in sugar-free baked goods, candies and gum (extremely toxic - check your labels!)

• Alcohol (watch out for those leftover holiday cocktails.) 

• Yeast dough (causes bloating and alcohol poisoning as it ferments). A common culprit is baked dough ornaments made at school. 

• Grapes and raisins (toxic, even in small amounts)

• Onions and garlic in stuffing and other dishes (don’t let your cat eat salad dressing!)

The best approach? Ask guests not to feed your pets anything without checking with you first. It prevents confusion and keeps your pet safe.

Holiday Decorations: Pretty but Problematic

Your festive decorations can pose risks to curious pets:

Toxic plants: Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can cause gastrointestinal upset. While they're less dangerous than many people think, they're still not safe for pets to eat. Place them out of reach or choose artificial versions.

Tinsel, ribbons, and string: These are particularly dangerous for cats, who love to play with them. If swallowed, they can cause serious blockages. Keep these decorations high up and secure.

Ornaments and breakables: If your pet can reach it, assume they might try to taste it. Place fragile or edible-looking decorations higher on the tree.

Snow globes: Some contain ethylene glycol (antifreeze), which is deadly to pets. Keep these displayed well out of reach.

Managing Holiday Stress

The holidays disrupt your pet's normal routine with unfamiliar visitors, unusual schedules, and new sounds and smells. Some pets love excitement and some find it overwhelming.

Signs your pet is stressed:

• Hiding or seeking isolated spaces

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Loss of appetite

• Unusual aggression or snappiness

• Excessive vocalization

What you can do:

• Set up a quiet room where your pet can retreat. Include their bed, water, and a favorite toy.

• Maintain their regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible.

• Don't force interactions with guests. Let your pet approach on their own terms.

• Secure medications that visitors bring. Pets are curious about pill bottles and suitcases.

If Something Goes Wrong For Any Reason:

Call us immediately if your pet gets into something dangerous. Don't wait to see if symptoms develop. Early intervention makes all the difference with many toxins. If we aren’t available, please call or go to your nearest ER. 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24/7 at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee applies, but they can provide guidance in emergencies.

Trust your instincts. If your pet is vomiting, having diarrhea, acting strangely, or just not themselves, reach out. We'd rather you call and it be nothing than wait and wish you'd called sooner.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

The holidays should be enjoyable for your entire family – including your pets. A few simple precautions can help you avoid emergency vet visits and keep the focus on celebrating together.

From all of us at Vet At Your Door, we wish you and your pets a safe and happy holiday season.

If you have concerns or need care, contact us.  We're here when you need us.