The holiday season should be a time of celebration - not emergency vet visits! Follow the tips below for safe celebrations with your pet.
The Food
There's no shortage of feasts at the holidays! Even if your pet is giving you the eye around the table or while you're cooking turkey, meat pie and Christmas log, it's best not to give in! Not all foods that are good for us are good for animals, and we certainly don’t want to end up with a seriously ill animal on a party night!
You may be accustomed to not feeding your pet table food, but your guests may not be. To avoid problems, also be sure to inform your guests not to feed your companion.
Don't leave food lying around either. While the story may be funny to tell, your pet probably won't be feeling great a few hours after wolfing down half the turkey on the counter or the pâtés to grandma's meat in the cooler left open. This also applies to gourmet gifts, because even when wrapped, your pet will be able to figure out where they are hiding under the tree!
The Guests
While some animals love making new human friends and all the attention that comes with it, not all of them do. Make sure your dog or cat has access to a quiet place to isolate themselves if they feel the need.
Also, if you have young visitors in your home, be sure to supervise them when they are playing with the puppy or kitty. Do not leave young children unsupervised with any animal, no matter how gentle and kind it may be.
The Decorations
Lights, Christmas balls, garlands - animals find this very intriguing and attractive! A garland or small decoration can quickly be swallowed and cause major problems. Christmas ornaments and decorations made of glass or other breakable materials can also pose a hazard. When falling to the ground, these ornaments break into sharp pieces. Your dog or cat could therefore injure their paws on these fragments or worse, swallow some of them, which can cause serious injuries in the mouth or stomach.
Many plants that are popular during the holidays and used to decorate homes are toxic to animals. Poinsettia, mistletoe and holly to name a few. Avoid placing these plants within reach of your companion, as their ingestion could cause serious health problems for your beloved ball of fur.
If in doubt, contact a veterinarian.
Finally, whatever happens, never hesitate to call your veterinary clinic if you have any doubts about your pet's health. The team in the office will be able to advise you and tell you if your pet needs an emergency visit to the vet or if you just need to monitor their condition and come back later for a consultation.