Although the holidays are a warm and happy time to spend with your family and furry companions, it is also a time when many pets get into trouble. We want your loved ones to stay safe this holiday season! Please take the time to read this list and try to spot potential problems BEFORE they happen to your family!

Pet’s are exposed to dangers this time of year from many sources—some of which are often surprising to people. Also, be aware it is not just dogs and cats that get into trouble, we also need to keep our bird, rabbit, ferret and small mammal friends safe as well. These littler creatures are more likely to slip out unnoticed or get stepped on or crushed. Also, it takes a smaller amount of toxic substances to do harm to smaller critters as well.

Edibles that your pet should NOT eat:

• Chocolate- baking or dark chocolates have the most of the toxic chemical, Theobromine, but all chocolate has potential to cause problems depending on the amount eaten and weight of the pet- many signs inc. seizures, vomiting, death

• Grapes/Raisins- can cause kidney failure, death

• Macadamia nuts- can cause paralysis/death

• Bread dough (unbaked)- cause alcohol poisoning and bloat, death

• Sugar-free products containing Xylitol- liver failure, low blood sugar, seizures, death

• Onions/onion powder and Garlic- especially cats- toxic anemia (low red blood cell level), death

• Coffee (see chocolate above as the same types of signs are seen)

• Alcoholic beverages- depression, vomiting, stupor, coma, trouble breathing, death

• Fatty Foods like ham, bacon, fat drippings, etc- can cause pancreatitis or severe vomiting and diarrhea

• Avocados- toxic to birds Even if you don’t purposefully feed your pets these items, there are many sources our critters find to sneak these items.

• Be on the lookout for full garbage cans, untended drinks, appetizers and snack trays where pets can reach them, well meaning guests trying to slip Fluffy a little something for being “So Cute!”

• Wrapped food gifts under the tree

Non-edible Items Pets are Known to Eat:

The following is a list of items that while not tasty to us, may be downright irresistible to your furry friends (and possibly to your human children as well!) -

• Liquid potpourri or simmering potpourri- severe burns, ulceration and even poisoning depending on what was in it

• Mistletoe, Holly, Holly berries- may cause vomiting, diarrhea and even some toxicity

• Poinsettias- more likely to just cause stomach upset and milder digestive problems

• Lilies- virtually ALL Lily’s are exquisitely toxic, esp. to cats and will cause kidney failure

• Christmas tree water- can have fertilizers and other toxins -Electric cords- often around and unprotected- watch esp. kittens, puppies and ferrets for chewing!

• Glass ornaments -Ribbons and Tinsel- can cause intestinal obstruction if eaten -Ice melting products- toxic if eaten or licked off of paws

• Antifreeze- tastes very sweet and pets and children will readily drink. Wipe up all spills immediately!

• Batteries- caustic if eaten

• Medications/Prescriptions- people normally do a good job of keeping these items out of reach. But, visitors often leave medicines in reach in handbags, suitcases and on counters/tables. Also, remember that Tylenol and Ibuprofen are NOT safe for our furry friends!

Other Holiday Dangers

• Escape! It is very easy for our friends to slip out during busy holiday times. Watch pets closely, consider placing pets in crates, cages or quiet bedrooms during busy times and make sure all dogs, cats and ferrets wear collars with up to date tags. Consider tattooing or microchipping your pet to increase chances of them being returned to you if lost.

• Put a guide wire on the top of the tree to keep it from being tipped over by curious cats or rambunctious dogs

• Watch for items at pet’s eye level that might be tempting and move higher! Remember that some cats jump quite high so be aware

• Keep an especially close eye on pets during cooking to avoid burns or injuries from tripping (yours and the pet!) There is often a number of people in the kitchen and it may be difficult to avoid begging pups and slinking kitties. Also, birds may try to fly into open pots.

• Ask friends and family to NOT feed your pets any tidbits and to help in watching out for escapees or food snatching. Also, monitor kids’ and pets’ interactions carefully as the stress of holidays and a bevy of unusual visitors increases the chance of a bite happening! Although the holidays can be busy and hectic, a little advanced planning and extra care will keep your pet safe. If you find that your pet has gotten into trouble, we are here to help!

We have increased our hours to serve you better! We are now open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm. We do have hours also on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.  In addition, we are open for emergency hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday's! 

If your pet needs assistance when we are not open, our message will provide you with other emergency numbers. Don’t wait until we are open again if your pet is injured or has eaten a toxic substance— Call an emergency clinic!

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday—The Doctors and Staff at Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital and Parkway Veterinary Clinic.