Avoid Emergency Pet Care: Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

When the holidays arrive, pet owners want to include their four-legged companions in all of the celebrations as family members. However, there are many perils and pitfalls that you should avoid with your pets, so they don't get sick or hurt and need emergency pet care. At East Valley Emergency Pet Clinic in Diamond Bar, we see many disasters involving pets around the holidays and we want to help you to avoid these issues.

Seasonal Decorations and Plants

Everyone loves to decorate their homes for the holidays and many want to take pictures by the Christmas tree, however, you need to be careful around your pets. Your Christmas tree needs to be firmly anchored so it can't fall and injure your pets. Cats like to climb trees, and Christmas trees are no exception, and bouncing dogs may knock your tree down as well. Also, make certain that your pet doesn't have access to the water for your tree, as it may have fertilizers in it or be harboring bacteria that can make your pet sick.

If pets eat holly, it can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause stomach upset and heart problems and many types of lilies can cause kidney failure to cats when ingested. It's a good idea to choose artificial plants for your pet’s safety to avoid emergency pet care.

Cats love all things that sparkle in the light including tinsel. If your kitty should ingest tinsel, it can lead to severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery.

It's best to keep wires, batteries, and ornaments out of reach of your pets. Shards of breakable ornaments can damage the digestive tract and a bite into a wire or a battery can electrocute your pet. A veterinary hospital would be required to treat the pet in either of those scenarios.

Holiday Food Dangers are Real

The best idea for pets is to avoid "people food" altogether. Pets should never eat chocolate or an artificially sweetened treat. You should keep an eye on unattended plates of food and secure your garbage can lids. Fatty and spicy foods can also harm your pets as well as bones. Alcoholic drinks may smell inviting to some pets and they want a taste. It can make your dog or cat weak or ill and they may even go into a coma.

You Can Trust East Valley Emergency Pet Clinic

We understand that you feel the need to celebrate with your pets, but our emergency veterinarian staff recommends just getting some special dog or cat treats for them. If the need does arise and your pet is sick, we are open nights, weekends and all holidays at East Valley Emergency Pet Clinic in Diamond Bar. Our veterinary hospital strives to provide your pet with quality emergency veterinary care.