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Small Animal Medicine & Surgery
Call us today! 704-636-6613
Call us today! 704-636-6613

3200 Sherrills Ford Road
Salisbury, NC 28147

Beware of These Holiday Pet Hazards

December 15 2020

The holidays are here! It’s a wonderful time of year filled with friends, family, and fun. But it’s important to make sure your animal companion stays safe and sound. Below, your Salisbury, NC veterinarian tells you about a few common holiday pet hazards and how to have your animal friend avoid them.


Toxic Foods

Plenty of foods that are common around the holidays aren’t good for pets. The list includes onions, garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, grapes and raisins, chocolate, candy, salty foods, rich or buttery foods, and much more. It’s best to play it safe and keep your pet out of the kitchen when you’re preparing meals. Feed them their own food during mealtime, and don’t go overboard with fatty table scraps. 


Alcohol

If your holiday celebrations will include adult beverages, keep a close eye on any unattended drinks to make sure your pet doesn’t sneak a sip. It turns out that alcohol affects pets just like it affects us. The difference is that even small amounts of alcohol can result in poisoning. It’s important that you don’t let your pet indulge in that spiked eggnog! 


Dangerous Plant Life

Did you know that a variety of plants and flowers common around the holiday season can prove poisonous to pets? Holly and mistletoe, juniper, amaryllis, chrysanthemums, lilies, evergreens, ivy, and poinsettias are among the plant life that could hurt your pet if they decide to chow down. Do your research to find out what plants can be toxic, and remove any offenders from your home right away. 


Tinsel and Ornaments

Shiny tinsel and ornaments decorating your holiday tree tend to look like fun toys for pets. And if your pet decides to play with them, they might swallow these items, which could prove dangerous. You don’t want your pet to have to undergo an emergency surgery to remove an intestinal blockage! Keep your pet away from holiday decorations including the tree so that they don’t accidentally swallow something they shouldn’t. 


Toys and Small Objects

There tends to be a lot of small objects littering the floor around the holidays—children’s toys, batteries, board game pieces, wrapping paper, rolls of tape… the list goes on. Keep a close eye on your animal companion if they’re the type to nibble on things in their path. 


For more information on holiday pet safety, call your Salisbury, NC animal hospital today. We’re here for you! 


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