Holiday Dangers Alert from Our Fremont Veterinarian

At Irvington Pet Hospital part of our mission statement is that we help pets live a longer, happier and healthier life. Unfortunately, many pets are brought into our vet hospital during the holidays because they’ve been exposed to some type of holiday item or foods that are dangerous or even toxic. To keep your pets safe, here are some items to keep away from them so you can avoid an unexpected trip to our animal hospital.

Five Holiday Items to Keep Away from Pets

Many treats we humans find so enticing during the holidays, as well as many of the decorations we put up, are often dangerous to pets.

Holiday Food Fare: Keep nuts, chocolate, and raw bread dough out of reach so they are not tempted to sample. Immediately put away any leftovers so they do not tempt your dog or cat. We also recommend not sharing human food with pets in general.

Festive Drinks and Toasts: Pets may become ill if they ingest alcohol, so be sure drinks aren’t left out and spills are wiped up quickly. Never give a pet alcohol for any reason.

Plants and Flowers: While staples of the holiday season, mistletoe, holly, lilies and poinsettias can be harmful, and in some cases lethal, to pets if ingested. Keep all of these plants in areas that pets cannot access.  

Trees: The Christmas tree itself can be dangerous to pets. If pets chew on the pine needles or drink the water from the tree, they can become very ill. Similar to holiday plants, we advise pet owners to put the tree in a part of the house that the pet does not have access to.  

Tinsel and Trimmings: Cats may like the appeal of tinsel, but it can become obstructed if they eat it, so it’s best to avoid hanging it on your tree. Also, do not hang ornaments low on the tree as the ornaments and the ornament hooks often draw the attention of curious cats.

Be Prepared and You Will Keep Your Pet Safe

As your Fremont veterinarian, we know that it’s not easy to avoid all of the potential pet pitfalls with everything else you’re doing at this busy time. If your pet does experience some type of emergency, please call our vet hospital right away at 510-657-4060 so we can advise you on the best course of action to take.

Something else you may want to consider to keep your pet safe is boarding. Our dog boarding and cat boarding services can make sure your pet is safe and secure while you enjoy your family and friends, or take that holiday vacation.

Happy holidays to you and your pets!

What steps do you take during the holidays to keep your pets safe?