Cold weather is on the horizon, along with more holidays. Many of us will be joining (or hosting) holiday parties, family gatherings, cookie exchanges, kids home from school, fires in the hearth, etc. The change in routine, and extra “stuff” around the house, can make this time of year a challenge to the health and safety of your pet. Last month’s blog, The Holiday Season, included information about food safety, recognizing common household safety issues for pets around the holidays, as well as providing emergency contact numbers. Please refer to the November blog for that important information.
Gift giving is a long-standing tradition at this time of year, which is why it has been dubbed Safe Toys and Gifts Month by several international organizations.
If your pet gets into their stocking and gobbles up too many treats too quickly, they may demonstrate telltale signs of drooling, choking, or vomiting. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. Unchewed pet treats can get stuck in the trachea or gastrointestinal tract. Toys can lodge in your dog’s intestines or stomach, and symptoms may not appear for hours, or even days later, and the only signs you may see are a decrease in activity or appetite (FDA, 2024).
The AVMA (2024) has some general reminders for pet owners to keep in mind during the holidays
- All pets need access to a comfortable, quiet place indoors where they can retreat from all the festivities of guests and the changes they bring to your household routine.
- Let your guests know you have pets in case they have allergies, particularly exotic pets that may be hazardous to those with weakened immune systems.
- If a guest plans to bring their pet, remember you have the option to politely say “no”. However, if you choose to host both people and pets, spend some time letting the animals become acquainted, supervise their activities, and monitor their behavior for signs of stress or aggression.
- If your pet tends to be overly anxious around groups of people, talk to your veterinarian about possible options.
- Watch the exits! While you are welcoming guests and taking their coats, your pet may use the opportunity to make a quick get away and explore the great outdoors.
- Clear the food from easily accessible locations and store the trash in a location where your pet cannot knock it over, rip it open, or otherwise get into it.
The Pet Poison Helpline also reminds us
As the weather becomes colder and snow and ice accumulate on our driveways and sidewalks, make sure the ice melt is safely stored. Depending on the formula, it can be hazardous for your pet, even in small amounts (Brutlag, 2024).
From all of us at Fox Run, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and want to remind you that as you celebrate with family and friends, so will our staff. We will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, 12/24/24 and 12/25/24, and will not reopen until 1pm on Thursday, 12/26/24. We will be closed again the following week on Wednesday, 1/1/25.
3390 S. Lapeer Road ~ Metamora, MI 48455 ~ (810) 678-8738
References:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 2024. Winter Holiday Pet Safety. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety
Brutlag, A., 2024. Holiday & Winter Toxins Newsletter. Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/holiday-winter-toxins/
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2024. Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe from Holiday Hazards. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/keep-your-dogs-and-cats-safe-holiday-hazards
Zoetis, 2024. A Guide to the Holidays with your Pet. zoetis-holiday-guide.pdf