Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season                                                                                                                           
To eat or not to eat...

Season's Greetings from our Doctors and Staff!

The Holidays are a time of giving and sharing.  However, this festive season offers a variety of foods that can be unhealthy for pets.  It is important to know the effects human foods can have on your pet's health. Certain types of human food can cause severe abdominal problems or even death for an animal. Chocolate (alone or in cookies, brownies, etc.) is among the most harmful.  It can make pets very ill and if large enough quantities are consumed, can result in death. Fatty foods, rich foods, and alcoholic beverages should also be kept out of the reach of your furry friends.

Giving your pets bones from the family feast should be avoided. When chewed, bones

can splinter and potentially cause intestinal blockage.  If you are concerned that your pet may have consumed any of the above mentioned, please contact our office immediately!  If sad eyes or begging looks are tempting you to treat your pet... consider giving them a feast of their own with veterinary approved pet treats or a favorite toy! We would be happy to recommend a healthy alternative!

Holiday hazards

As you may have experienced in past years, the sight of twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, and glowing candles can be a veritable playground for our pets.  Here are some attractive items that can cause your pet harm:

- Electrical Cords

- Tinsel

- Ribbon

- Open flames (candles, etc)

- Artificial snow

- Holiday plants (if eaten or chewed)

Many indoor pets are curious when there are new house decorations or Holiday plants. Place potentially dangerous items out of your pet's reach whenever possible. Poinsettias, Holly Berry plants, and Mistletoe can be toxic to your pet if ingested. Take time this holiday season to pet proof your home.

(Article re-printed with permission and courtesy of Healthy Pet Magazine)

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"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog ." - Franklin P. Jones