Somehow, we blinked, and it is now the end of the year. December can be one of the most wonderful and busiest months. Preparing for the holidays may include shopping for gifts, wrapping presents, menu planning, hanging decorations, and maybe fishing the cat out of the tree. For our furry family members, this time of year can bring new hazards and extra stress. Below are few holiday tips for pets so everyone in your home will have a merry and joyous time!
Uncle Ned can tell the best jokes, but he may stress your pet out. More people doesn’t always equal more love. If you plan on having a houseful, make sure to set some ground rules. These could include:
The holidays can also produce more hazards. Your pet may ingest foreign or hazardous objects, including toxic plants or foods, which may require surgery for their removal. Prevent these common pet emergencies by learning which items could cause issues.
As you ring in the new year, keep in mind that if your pet accidentally ingests a string of confetti, it may become lodged and require surgical removal. Noise poppers and fireworks can wow your guests but terrify your pet and possibly cause damage to their sensitive ears. It might be best to keep pets in a secure, safe, and escape-proof room until after the celebration ends.
The best holiday tip for your pets is to be prepared. As much as we try, some things can’t be prevented, and accidents happen. If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855)764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)426-4435.
Keep a 24/hour emergency pet number on hand as well. We have a few recommendations on our website. Not sure if it is an emergency? It’s better to be safe than sorry, so feel free to reach out to us. If it’s an emergency to you, then it is an emergency to us.
Everyone at Heritage Animal Hospital hopes you have a safe and merry holiday!
12624 Base Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.