The holidays are a wondrous time of togetherness, food, festivities, and so much love. Good memories are made when we gather together and share the bounties of the year. Then we get to look ahead to a wonderful New Year. 

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we are all about making this time of year one of wonder and safety for our pet companions. That’s why we put together this list of helpful tips you can use this season, and throughout the year.

Don’t Be a Grinch: Keep Your Pet Entertained

We know the next few weeks can be so busy that it can have your head spinning, so it’s easy to forget the exercise and enrichment needs of our little ones. To keep a focus on your pets, here are some things to consider:

• Try a festive stroll through a new neighborhood to look at lights
• Purchase holiday themed toys and plush animals for your buddies
• Make some DIY dog and cat treats (and they can be wholesome, too)
• Put on your favorite holiday tunes and shake your booty – get your pet involved by hopping around and making a game of it
• Take some time to teach your cat or dog tricks you can impress your in-laws with
• Snuggle together on the couch while watching holiday movies and classics

Decor Disasters: Remember to Keep Them Safe

There are a few things to be aware of that can pose risks to pets. We know the dangers are not as fun as the dancing, but bear with us. This is a quick list of all things to remove or put in a place your pet can’t reach.

• Toxic plants (check out the full list via ASPCA)
• Toxic food: chocolate, Xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, grapes, raisins, etc.
• Tinsel and curling string (big danger, if ingested)
• Glass ornaments
• Edible ornaments, gift baskets containing food
• Small toys and decorations (that can be ingested)

Remember that your pet will be fascinated with small things they can put in their mouths but shouldn’t. It can be a drag to put these things out of reach, but better safe than the drag it will be having to go to the animal emergency hospital.

Don’t forget about the little critters, like rabbits, reptiles, and small mammals that can chew on light strings and get electricuted.

Over the Hill and Through the Woods…

It’s fun to bring pets along to visit relatives over the holiday season, but there are ways to make the merriment safer and more comfortable for them. To make the pet travel a friendly one:

• Make sure they are fully vaccinated and on parasite prevention.
• Are they travel ready (healthy and able to make the trek)?
• Use a crate, carrier, or other secure option for the car.
• If you are traveling by air, contact the airline for specific pet requirements.
• Always bring water in the car and a collapsible bowl for your pet.
• Pack all the essentials (food, litter box, waste bags, collar, leash, ID tags, toys, etc.).
• Make plans that include your pet, like pet friendly cafes and patios, parks, and malls.

We hope these ideas help get you inspired to make the best of the holidays with your furry one. If we can offer any more suggestions, or if you would like to make an appointment, please call us!

Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!

The post Happy, Hairy, Hoppy Holidays: Creating a Magical Season for Your Pets appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The holidays are upon us, and this fact has many of us jumping for joy. The turkey, stuffing, casseroles and desserts are enough, but add in all the other holiday indulgences and it’s easy to see why so many of us overdo it, and pay for it later. 

For our pets, though, such overindulgence in fatty and rich holiday foods can spell disaster. Every holiday season, pets are seen like clockwork in the animal emergency clinic for pancreatitis, a painful and life threatening condition often caused by the consumption of such foods. 

Avoid a pet emergency this holiday season by learning about pancreatitis in pets and holiday food safety. 

Food Safety

Many of our delicious and traditional holiday foods are toxic to pets, and accidental pet poisonings are unfortunately common during the holiday season. Keep the following food items away from your pet. 

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Yeasted raw bread dough
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Chives, onions, and garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Raw poultry or meat
• Sage and other herbs

Sometimes our pets’ love of eating can also get them into trouble when they ingest something that causes an intestinal obstruction. Corn cobs, bones, aluminum foil, turkey string, and wrappers are common items ingested by pets that can result in an emergency surgery to remove. Remove temptation by clearing leftovers right away, keeping garbage bins tightly lidded and behind closed doors, and by resisting the urge to share fatty or rich foods with your pet. 

Pancreatitis Basics

You may regret overindulging in pumpkin pie or casseroles, but for pets, eating even a bite or two of fatty or rich foods can be truly dangerous. Pets don’t digest rich foods well, and the result can be gastrointestinal upset and a potentially life threatening condition called pancreatitis.

If your pet is exhibiting any of the following signs of pancreatitis, she needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Hunched position
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty breathing

Holiday Food Safety For Pets

Thanksgiving may pose some risks for our pets, but that doesn’t mean our pets can’t join us in some of the holiday fun. They can even enjoy a few extras this time of year, without the added salt, sugar or fat. 

If you’d like to treat your pet and still practice holiday food safety for pets, try steamed green beans instead of green bean casserole, plain cooked sweet potato instead of candied yams, and a scoop of plain pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie. 

And, remember that not all treats are food! Indulge your pet in play and exercise instead, which is a great way to relieve stress, burn extra calories, and is great for bonding with your pet. Treat your pet to a neighborhood walk, or a game of ball or laser pointer tag when the big meal is over. You can also show your pet how thankful you are for them with lots of snuggles and affection. 

If you have any questions about holiday food safety for pets or pancreatitis, please don’t hesitate to call us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets from Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

The post Pancreatitis and Holiday Food Safety For Pets appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.