The holidays are fast approaching and with them come some dangers for our pets. Not only do their owners overeat, but pets can either get into food unintended for them or overeat on leftovers. Flatulence is annoying, but not dangerous (depending on your point of view). But many pets end up with more serious problems. That can mean a severe case of vomiting and diarrhea which require a hospital stay and intravenous medications, or in the case of eating foreign material, an exploratory surgery. So keep in mind that no matter how much you love your dog or cat, it is not a good idea to let them eat more scraps over the holidays than is normal for them.

Mistletoe is poisonous, keep it hanging up high above the doorway. Poinsettias are very irritating to your pets stomach. It will most likely cause them to vomit, but there are no other side effects.

Chocolate can be fatal to pets, and each pet has their own tolerance for it. Better to keep it for yourself.

Christmas trees are such fun for kittens! However, make sure that your base is very stable and put your unbreakable ornaments on the bottom half or third of the tree.

Forego the tinsel this year and maybe forever while you own a pet. Stringing popcorn to put on a tree is inviting a pet to indulge him/herself.

If you buy a chewable treat for your dog and put it under the tree, you might want to be sure that the paper is edible. Well, I have never heard of edible paper, so it might be a good idea to store it high until the big day.

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Helping to Keep Your Pets Happy and Healthy

1725 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA 650-365-3855

www.woodsidevc.com