As veterinarians, we know the holiday season brings joy and challenges for pet owners. While families celebrate, pets can be exposed to various potential hazards that can lead to health emergencies. By helping our clients prepare beforehand, we can minimize risks, prevent emergencies, and ensure pets stay safe and comfortable during the festivities. A prepared house is a safe house, and pet parents can take small steps to keep their animal companions happy during the holidays. As we guide our clients through the busy holiday season, there are three key areas to focus on to keep pets safe: create a safe area, identify and have a danger dossier of possible threats to pet health, and be prepared to make a quick call when emergencies do arise. Creating calm: How safe spaces and crate training protect pets during the holidays As veterinarians, we understand how overwhelming the holiday season can be for pets. From busy gatherings to tempting treats and loud noises, their environment can quickly become stressful. Encouraging clients to establish a haven through crate training or a quiet, designated space can make all the difference. A safe space is not confinement; it is a retreat. It offers pets a place to relax and feel secure, especially those easily overwhelmed by guests or activities. To enhance their comfort, suggest including familiar bedding, toys, or calming music. Beyond reducing anxiety, safe spaces protect pets from potential hazards, such as delicate decorations, toxic foods, or playful children. They are also invaluable during noisy events, such as fireworks shows, giving pets a sense of security. By advising clients to prepare these havens in advance, we can help ensure a safer, calmer holiday season for pets and their families. Hidden hazards: Recognizing holiday dangers for pets Festive decorations and treats may add cheer but pose serious risks to pets. While most pet parents know yearlong dangers, such as chocolates, rarer threats, like grapes or macadamia nuts and holiday plants, are less commonly known. Encourage clients to audit their homes and remove or secure any food or decorations that could be toxic to their pets. Holiday plants are a frequent but underestimated risk. Mistletoe, including both American and European varieties, as well as holly, are toxic to pets. Advise clients to contact their veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline for guidance and remind them home remedies, like inducing vomiting, should only be done with professional approval. Many pets, especially puppies and kittens, are drawn to chew on cords. Electrical cords for lights or decorations can cause burns, electrocution, or choking hazards. Encourage pet owners to secure cords out of reach or use cord protectors to minimize risk. Additionally, using battery-operated lights might be a safer alternative. Lastly, with hosting visitors and traveling, pets may become lost or separated from their owners. Ensure your clients check their pet’s ID tags and microchips with the most recent and accurate contact information on record. By helping clients recognize and address these hidden hazards, we can reduce the risk of holiday-related emergencies. Preparation: Emergency planning for pet holiday mishaps As veterinarians, we must help our clients prepare for potential emergencies. I recommend advising pet owners to save emergency contact numbers—such as their phone or a visible location—for their local veterinarian, emergency animal hospital, and ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Quick access to these resources can make all the difference during a crisis. It is also vital to address the financial aspect of pet emergencies. Many pet parents may not budget for unexpected veterinary care, so we can guide them to plan ahead. By encouraging clients to consider the cost of potential emergencies—just as they would budget for gifts or holiday meals—we help them be financially prepared for situations that might arise. Consider pointing clients to a payment option that can connect with pet health insurance,1 streamlining the reimbursement process for veterinary care. Encouraging clients to set up these systems in advance helps them respond more calmly and quickly when an emergency arises without the added stress of financial uncertainty. With some foresight, we can ensure pets stay safe and healthy during the holiday hustle. This allows families to enjoy a stress-free holiday season while knowing their pets are well cared for. Brimming with passion and an innovative attitude, Courtney A. Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, author, and TV veterinary medical correspondent, enjoys the beautiful triumvirate of the family-patient-doctor relationship. He founded Stitches Veterinary Surgery in Long Beach, Calif. Dr. Courtney marries his love for healing animals with his dedication to “edutainment.” Dr. Courtney has teamed up with Synchrony’s CareCredit to introduce a new seamless reimbursement solution that makes it easier for clients to provide top notch care for their furry family members and pay their bills with less stress. References https://www.carecredit.com/petbettertogether/
