Greentree Animal Hospital & Clinic

Information may not be reliable

Dog CareCat CareDiseasesSymptomsDrug LibraryTestsProceduresCustom Articles

Featured Article

ANESTHESIA FOR GERIATRICS Paula Moon, DVM, DACVA Anesthesia Analgesia Because our pets are living longer, it is now almost commonplace to be asked to anesthetize a dog or cat that has reached the extraordinarily old age of 18 to 22 plus years. The normal aging process these animals undergo is associated with physiologic changes that may influence the success of an anesthetic event. Some adjustments in anesthetic protocols are often necessary for such elderly patients.

While you are busy making your festive plans for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, please dont forget to include your pets. The holidays are a time for giving, but there are some things you should not share with your furry friends. Once you know the hazards, a little precaution and prevention will make holidays a happy time for everyone.
Some of the more common holiday hazards include:

The holiday turkey or chicken will leave a lot of tantalizing bones, but dont feed them to your pet. Beware of steak bones, too. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract.

Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous when eaten. The lovely poinsettia may not be truly poisonous but its milky white sap and leaves can certainly cause severe gastric distress. With so many hybrid varieties available each year, the best approach is to keep the plants out of your pets reach.

Holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Be sure you have cords secured and out of the way.

Lighted candles should never be left unattended and that is even more important if left at kittys eye level or within puppys chewing zone. An exuberant tail or a swat of a paw can turn candles and hot wax into an instant disaster. Anchor candles securely and away from curious faces and feet.

Check around holiday trees frequently. Ingested pine needles can puncture your pets intestines.

Make sure your tree is well secured. If you have a tree-climbing cat or large dog with a happy tail, anchor the top of the tree to the wall, using strong cord or rope. Preservatives often used in the water in a tree stand can cause gastric upsets, so be sure it is inaccessible or not used. Avoid sugar and aspirin additives in the water as well.

Sharp or breakable ornaments, dreidels, and even aluminum foil should be kept out of reach. String objects, especially tinsel and ribbons, are to be safeguarded at all costs. They are thin and sharp and can wrap around intestines or ball up in the stomach.

Stress and company:
With everyone coming and going, watch out for open doors and sneaky pets. Make sure your pets have updated collars and tags on in case of escape. Microchipping your pet will also help if your pet escapes. All pets should have at least two forms of id on them at all times. Ask guests to keep an eye out for pets under foot and remind them that sometimes your normally friendly dog or cat may be less than willing to deal with enthusiastic children and rooms full of unfamiliar people. Provide a special quiet place with a blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to when the festivities get too stressful.

About Us:

GreenTree Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility, located in Libertyville, IL. The professional and courteous staff at GreenTree Animal Hospital seek to provide the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for their highly-valued patients. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. GreenTree Animal Hospital strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to Libertyville, IL and surrounding areas. Please take a moment to contact us today, to learn more about our veterinary practice and to find our more information about how GreenTree Animal Hospital can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.

We are an AAHA Accredited Hospital!
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization that accredits small animal hospitals throughout the U.S. & Canada. AAHA-accredited hospitals adhere to the highest-quality standards, which helps ensure the best care for your pet.