The Holidays are a very joyous time of year! It can also be very stressful and busy, and we’d like to give you some Holiday tips to help ensure you have a wonderful and safe Holiday with your pets.

Since things are so busy this time a year, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead of time. Expect the unexpected, and you will never be unprepared. Make sure you know the location of the nearest Emergency Hospital, so you know exactly where to go if the need should arise. Trophy Club Animal Hospital recommends Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas located in Grapevine. You can reach the emergency hospital at 817-410-2273, should there be an emergency after normal business hours or during Christmas. ASPCA Poison Control Hotline is also a useful resource, 1-888-426-4435 (a fee may apply).

So as with all Holidays, try to avoid table scraps or treats. Not only can these items cause some tummy problems, but also some of them are toxic to our furry friends. Unfortunately, our animals cannot metabolize certain foods the same way we do.

  • Chocolate is everywhere during the holidays much to the disappointment of our waistlines! Remember! Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. Some chocolates are more dangerous than others, the most potent being baking chocolate. It is safer to consider all chocolate off-limits for pets.
  • Other sweets and baked goods may contain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.
  • Turkey and turkey skin can cause problems, too. Even the smallest amount can cause Pancreatitis in our furry friends. Pancreatitis is a dangerous disease that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, and even death. Any amount is too much!
  • Any table scrapes such as gravy, meat fat, onions, raisins, and grapes can cause pancreatitis or even lethal toxicity.
  • Yeast dough can cause painful gas and dangerous bloating.

Decorations are probably the best part of the Christmas season! However, they can also be a temptation for our pets. Christmas trees are an amusing large cat toy but can often be knocked down. Not only does this cause a mess, but some of the ornaments can potentially lead to intestinal blockage if eaten by our pets. Placing temptations further up the tree can help prevent these disasters. Also, broken glass from a shattered ornament can be a hazard to both your pet and your family. Electric lights around the tree or house can cause burns or electrocution if you have a mouthy pet. Turning the accessible lights off at night, or when you’re not at home can help prevent this. Use candles with caution. Make sure they are in a place where they cannot be knocked over, which could cause a house fire or nasty burns.

Flower decorations and festive plants can result in emergency room visits if ingested. A couple of plants you should keep out of reach include:

  • Amaryllis
  • Mistletoe
  • Balsam
  • Pine
  • Cedar
  • Holly
  • Poinsettias
  • Potpourris

Make sure your babies have identification all year round but especially during the Holidays. Pets can easily slip out the front door or backyard with all the excitements of visitors. We want to ensure your whole family is together this Holiday season, so please microchip your pets, or make sure they wear identification with contact information. To help avoid unwanted bites, make sure all your guests are aware of your pet’s boundaries, and that some pets get nervous with new people.

If your plans include Holiday travel, whether it’s across the country or somewhere to escape the cold, make sure you inquire about Health Certificates. All pets are required to have a health certificate from your veterinarian, even if you plan to travel by car! Learn the requirements for any states you will be visiting. You can schedule an appointment at Trophy Club Animal Hospital to get a health certificate, or if you have any questions about travel. The Health Certificate must be within ten days of travel, so plan accordingly! If your pet needs any medication for that long car ride, please give us a call so that we can discuss different options. Unfortunately, some animals get very nervous with new things, such as extended amounts of time in the car, and may need a little help. If you plan to board your pet during the Holidays, please check in advance with your boarding facility, and make sure your pets are current on vaccinations or deworming, especially the kennel cough vaccine.

We offer pet boarding at Trophy Club Animal Hospital. Just remember, this is a busy time of year! You will want to call early to reserve a spot. All animals staying at Trophy Club Animal Hospital are required to be up to date on vaccines including; distemper/parvo/parainfluenza, rabies, bordetella (kennel cough), and leptospirosis. We also require negative fecal testing and annual deworming. Pets are required to be up to date on flea/tick control during their stay. You can contact us if you need information about different options. Our technicians would happily help you make an informed decision. We want to protect everyone at our hospital. Therefore, all pets must be up to date!

Keep everyone safe and warm! Remember! If you’re cold outside, then your pet is cold, too! Most importantly, enjoy time with your family! This includes our furry family members! Happy Holidays and God bless!

Love,

Meagan Pike, DVM

Trophy Club Animal Hospital