The smell of turkey fills the air, and your home buzzes with the happy sounds of family and friends. But as you prepare for the festivities, your pet sees a world of exciting new things to taste and touch. Keeping them safe during the holidays is the best gift you can give. 

Knowing what to watch for and what to do if an accident happens ensures peace of mind for you and safety for your companion. Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel is ready to help when the unexpected occurs.

Your Festive Feast Is a Field of Dangers

That delicious holiday meal can cause serious problems for a curious pet. Many popular foods are toxic or hard for them to digest. Keep your pet’s paws away from these common dangers:

• Turkey Bones and Skin: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage. The rich, fatty skin can lead to pancreatitis, a painful condition.
• Stuffing and Sides: Onions, garlic, and chives are toxic to dogs and cats. Grapes and raisins, often found in side dishes, can cause kidney failure.
• Desserts and Dough: Chocolate is a well-known poison for pets. Also, watch out for the sweetener xylitol, found in many sugar-free treats. Raw bread dough can rise in a pet’s warm stomach, causing dangerous bloating.

The safest choice is to keep your pet’s diet normal and save the human food for the human guests.

When Holiday Decorations Look Like Chew Toys

Your festive decor can also pose a risk. A pet’s natural curiosity might lead them to chew on something they should not.

• Festive Plants: Poinsettias, lilies, holly, and mistletoe are beautiful but can be toxic if your pet eats them.
• Ornaments and Tinsel: Sharp, broken ornaments can cut a pet’s mouth. Shiny tinsel is especially tempting for cats, but it can cause a deadly intestinal blockage if swallowed.
• Cords and Candles: Chewing on electrical cords can cause shocks or burns. A lit candle can easily be knocked over by a wagging tail, creating a fire hazard.

Place all decorations well out of your pet’s reach to keep them safe.

Ready to Help When Mishaps Happen

Even with careful planning, accidents can occur. If your pet gets into something they should not, you need to act fast. Seek urgent care if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Vomiting or diarrhea that does not stop
• Acting very tired, weak, or withdrawn
• Pacing, shaking, or showing signs of stomach pain
• Having trouble breathing or suddenly collapsing

At the clinic, your pet will get immediate attention. With an in-house lab and advanced imaging, the team can find the problem quickly. Fast answers mean treatment can start right away to relieve pain and stabilize your pet.

When your regular vet is closed for the holidays, you are not alone. For after-hours help, call Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel at (813) 279-6500 so the team can prepare for your arrival. Then head to 27027 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544.

Holiday Hours

• Thanksgiving Eve: 2 pm – 11 pm
• Thanksgiving Day: 9 am – 11 pm
• Christmas Eve: 2 pm – 11 pm
• Christmas Day: 9 am – 11 pm
• New Year’s Eve: 2 pm – 11 pm
• New Year’s Day: 9 am – 11 pm