Thrive Pet Healthcare shares insights to help pet owners keep their pets safe during the holiday season
Thrive Pet Healthcare, a first-of-its-kind veterinary healthcare network with more than 380 locations in 37 states across the U.S., is urging pet owners to prioritize the safety of their furry companions during the holiday season.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with certain holiday foods. Dr. Anthony Coronado, Thrive Pet Healthcare’s National Director of Emergency Services and Urgent Care, provides valuable insights to help pet owners safeguard their pets this holiday season.
Holiday Foods on the Naughty List
Certain holiday foods can pose significant risks to both dogs and cats.
“Cats tend to be more discerning with foods than dogs, but because of their smaller size, even when they ingest small amounts of harmful foods, it can result in a trip to the ER,” said Dr. Coronado.
Keep the following holiday foods away from pets:
- Turkey Trimmings: Ensure proper disposal of turkey trimmings, including the trussing string, which may attract curious pets and lead to ingestion, potentially causing health issues.
- Turkey Skin: Consumption of turkey skin can trigger life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in enzyme malfunctions that digest the pancreas.
- Meat with Bones: Sharp bone fragments in meat can cause mouth, stomach, and intestinal injuries, potentially leading to life-threatening infections.
- Alcohol: Alcohol poisoning symptoms can appear quickly. The higher the alcohol proof, the higher the risk. Be cautious of alcohol-containing foods like rum-soaked cake and raw bread dough with yeast. In addition, dogs and cats often will investigate and sometimes drink glasses of alcoholic beverages that may be left unattended at large gatherings.
- Raisins, Grapes and Currants: Found in various holiday treats like fruit cakes, cookies and breads. Ingestion can lead to kidney damage or life-threatening kidney failure.
- Chocolate: Baking, semi-sweet and dark chocolate are most harmful. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to pets.
- Onions, Garlic and Chives: These are common ingredients in holiday dishes. Small amounts can lead to severe health complications including anemia and organ damage.
- Artificial Sweeteners Xylitol can take the place of sugar in some desserts but is toxic to dogs even in small amounts and can cause low blood sugar, seizures and liver failure.
Holiday Foods on the Nice List
Dr. Coronado recommends the following safe food options to share with your pets this holiday season:
- Unseasoned, cooked turkey (without skin or bones)
- Steamed or mashed sweet potatoes (plain)
- Canned pumpkin (not pie mix or seeds)
- Unseasoned, grilled or canned salmon (no bones)
- Steamed, chopped green beans (plain)
Recognizing Signs of Harmful Ingestion
Some of the common symptoms that your pet has ingested something harmful include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
- Behavioral Changes: Lethargy, depression and weakness.
In severe cases, pets may display elevated heart and respiratory rates, pale gums or loss of consciousness. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home as it can be difficult and unsafe.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Pet owners are advised to act promptly if they witness or suspect their pet has ingested something toxic. Call your veterinarian immediately or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Early intervention and decontamination can prevent life-threatening complications.
“Most pet emergencies that take place during the holidays involve the ingestion of turkey bones,” said Dr. Coronado. “It could be too late if you wait until your pet shows symptoms. If you plan to take your pet with you when you travel over the holidays, determine ahead of time where you could take your pet if they need immediate veterinary care.”
Veterinary Care During the Holidays
When seeking veterinary attention for your pet over the holidays, Dr. Coronado recommends:
- Advance Communication: Contact your local veterinary urgent care or emergency hospital ahead of time. Inform them of the nature of your pet’s emergency and your estimated arrival time.
- Patience: Due to increased holiday emergencies, some hospitals may experience longer wait times. Emotions can run high during an emergency. Be patient with the staff. They are doing their best to accommodate everyone.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service network that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and over 350 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit www.thrivepetcare.com.
