As the holiday season approaches, all of us at the clinic would like to wish you and your loved onesâespecially your furry family membersâa very happy and healthy holiday. This time of year is full of joy, gatherings, and special moments, and weâre grateful to be a part of your petâs care throughout it all.
In this newsletter, weâre sharing helpful tips to keep your pets safe and feeling their best during the holidays, introducing our Pet Patient of the Month, and highlighting some memorable moments from November and December.
Please also note our Christmas and New Yearâs hours: the clinic will be closed December 24thâ28th, open regular hours December 29th and 30th, closed December 31st and January 1st, and back to regular hours on January 2nd. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to caring for your pets in the year ahead.
Warmly,
Madeleine
Practice Manager
Pet Patient of the Month – Scott
Scott is an almost 3-year-old miniature lop rabbit who recently visited us for his neuter surgeryâand he did wonderfully. From admission through recovery, he was calm, gentle, and a joy for our team to care for. His procedure went smoothly, and he recovered comfortably before heading home to heal.
Neutering is an important part of preventative care for rabbits, and weâre grateful to Scottâs family for trusting us with his care. Congratulations to Scott on a successful procedureâweâre proud to feature him as our Pet of the Month!
Pet Tip of the Month – Watch out for Holiday Hazards
The holidays are a wonderful timeâfull of family gatherings, cozy decorations, and (of course) delicious food. While weâre enjoying the season, itâs important to remember that a few common holiday traditions can create unexpected risks for our pets. Here are some simple ways to keep the holidays merry, bright, and safe for the furry members of your family.
1) Holiday Plants & Flowers: Pretty, But Potentially Dangerous
Seasonal plants can add a festive touch to your home, but some can be harmful if chewed or swallowed.
- Lilies are especially dangerousâparticularly for cats. Even small exposures (like nibbling a leaf or getting pollen on their fur and grooming it off) can cause serious illness. If you have cats at home, itâs safest to avoid lilies entirely.
- Poinsettias can also cause problems if pets eat them. While many pets only develop mild stomach upset, itâs still best to keep them well out of reach.
- If youâre bringing any holiday greenery into the house (centerpieces, bouquets, wreaths), place them where curious noses and paws canât access them.
2) Tree Troubles: Tinsel, Ornaments, and Tempting âToysâ
Christmas trees are exciting for petsâlike a sparkly indoor jungle gym. A few items to watch closely:
- Tinsel and ribbon can be very risky if swallowed. They may cause choking or lead to serious intestinal issues that sometimes require surgery.
- Ornaments (especially glass) can break and cause cuts to mouths or paws. Even non-breakable ornaments can be swallowed if a pet chews them.
- Tree water may contain fertilizer or preservatives that can upset your petâs stomach. Consider covering the tree stand or using a pet-proof base.
3) Holiday Foods: A Little Restraint Goes a Long Way
Sharing is caringâbut many holiday foods donât agree with pets, and some can cause serious illness.
- Fatty foods (like turkey skin, gravy, rich meat trimmings, or buttery leftovers) can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, a painful condition that may require urgent veterinary care.
- Turkey bones and other cooked bones can splinter, causing choking or internal injury.
- Guests may âsneakâ snacks to pets without realizing the risk, so it helps to kindly remind family and visitors about pet-safe treats.
4) When to Call Us
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If your pet gets into something they shouldnât, contact your veterinary clinic right awayâespecially if you notice signs like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, reduced appetite, restlessness, or abdominal pain.
Tail Talk: This Monthâs Top Moments
Our groomer Saphire has been busy helping pets look their very best for the holiday season. And just look at handsome Samâall fresh, fluffy, and ready to steal hearts!Thinking ahead to the new year? Nowâs the perfect time to book your petâs next grooming appointment with Saphire. After all⊠new year, new âdo! Call us to reserve your spot and start 2025 looking (and feeling) fabulous.
Weâve launched a new Instagram feature where we interview our team members so you can get to know the faces behind your petâs care a little better! So far, weâve featured our practice manager Madeleine, head receptionist Shalyssa, and vet tech students Tamara and Tiana (pictured here).Keep an eye out in the new year for more fun staff spotlightsâyou wonât want to miss them. And trust us, itâs worth checking out just for everyoneâs answer to âWhat song would you play when youâre about to make a bad decision?â Letâs just say a killer playlist is coming together.
We have to give a huge thank-you to Peanut, our wonderful clinic cat, for being such a special part of our clinic this year. He brings smiles to our faces every day and has a true talent for boosting morale. Lately, Peanut has been spending more time out in the main part of the clinic, which we absolutely love. Heâs also been an excellent lap warmer this month, especially for Shalyssa while she tackled computer tasks. Weâre so grateful to have Peanut as part of our team (even if his main job is spreading joy!).