Pet health emergencies on holidays are twice as horrific as they can be on normal days. Holidays are meant to stay stress-free with your loved one including pets. While summer holidays are a little different because no vet will be having veterinary holidays in summer (depends) but mostly you can find an emergency vet on summer holidays.
However, the pre-winter and winter season is full of festivities from Halloween to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most of us will be prepared for having a fiesta with friends and family. Nevertheless, it is pet health emergencies that can ruin the moments. There can be several reasons to take dog to emergency vet. You can’t blame your pet for this and no we aren’t blaming you as well. These emergencies just happen so instead of stressing over them, deal with these common holiday emergencies for pets. Read out if you want to know how to take good care of your pets!
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Cold Weather Injuries
One of the most common pet health emergencies on holidays is cold weather injuries. Cold weather can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and other injuries. It’s important to limit your pet’s exposure to cold temperatures and provide them with a warm, dry shelter.
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Holiday Decorations
Pets can become injured if they ingest or chew on decorations, such as tinsel, ribbon, ornaments, or lights. To ensure winter holiday pet safety, keep decorations away from pets and watch them closely.
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Holiday plants
Many holiday plants, such as poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe, are toxic to pets if ingested. To avoid such pet health emergencies, keep these plants away from pets and watch for signs of poisoning if your pet does manage to get into them.
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Human foods
If you know that it can be hard to find vets open on thanksgiving then avoid giving human food to your pets whether it is a dog or cat. Many human foods can be dangerous to pets, as they can contain ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, or onions. Be sure to keep human food away from pets and monitor them while they are around it.
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Fireworks
Fireworks can be very dangerous for pets. If you want to avoid pet health emergencies on holidays, make sure that pets are kept in a safe, secure area away from fireworks and loud noises. Understanding the pet’s behavior can be helpful to keep them calm at such times.
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Seizures
One of the reasons to take dog to emergency vet Pets can suffer from seizures as a result of underlying medical conditions. If your pet has a seizure, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Ingestion of foreign objects
Pets can sometimes get into things they shouldn’t, such as decorations or candy. This can lead to an obstruction in their digestive tract, which can be life-threatening.
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Trauma
Pets can sustain injuries by being hit by a car or getting into a fight with another animal. Your pet may have gone on some veterinary holidays which can be quite problematic, especially when you have to meet an exotic vet. If your pet has suffered any type of trauma, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Gastrointestinal issues
Gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, are common pet health emergencies on holidays. This is especially true if your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t have, such as a holiday treat or human food.
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Poisoning
One of the major reasons to take dog to the emergency vet is poisoning. Pets can sometimes get into household cleaners or other toxic substances. If left untreated, poisoning can be fatal.
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Burning and Wounds
Pets can accidentally get burned by candles or fireworks. They can also suffer from cuts and lacerations from broken glass or sharp objects. All of these can lead to infection if not treated quickly.
Other Common Pet Health Emergencies On Holidays
Pets can also suffer from holiday-related stress and anxiety. This can manifest in different ways, such as changes in behavior, increased vocalization, or reduced appetite. It’s important to provide pets with a quiet place to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed and to spend quality time with them during the holidays.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any new people or animals that may be visiting during the holidays, as this can be a source of stress for some pets.
It is important to be aware of pet health emergencies during winter holidays caused by traveling. Pets can easily become dehydrated or overheated when traveling in the car, so it’s important to provide plenty of water and air conditioning.
Additionally, make sure that pets are restrained in the car with a harness or carrier to prevent them from jumping out of the car.
How To Deal With Pet Health Emergencies On Holidays?
Here is how to deal with pet health emergencies.
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Make Sure To Plan Ahead:
Before you leave on your holiday, make sure to research the pet-friendly options for medical care in the area you are visiting. Have the contact information for the nearest animal hospital or check if there are vets open on thanksgiving and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
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Pack A Pet First-Aid Kit:
Pack a small first-aid kit specifically for your pet that includes items such as bandages, gauze, cotton balls, sterile saline, tweezers, and a pet thermometer. This is especially important when the vet in that area may have left for its veterinary holidays.
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Stay Alert:
When out and about with your pet, stay alert and aware of your pet’s behavior and any potential risks.
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Monitor Their Food And Water Intake:
Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water at all times, and keep an eye on their food intake to make sure they are eating enough to maintain their energy levels.
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Be Aware Of Environmental Hazards:
One of the reasons to take dog to emergency vet is the environmental hazards. Be aware of potential hazards such as excessive heat or cold, insects, and other animals.
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Know The Signs Of A Medical Emergency:
Be familiar with the signs of a pet health emergencies on holidays and know when to seek emergency veterinary care. Signs of a medical emergency can include difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, inability to move or stand, and loss of consciousness.
Bottom Line
Holidays are a fun time of the year. Winter holidays are special because we get to witness great family times such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, as a pet owner, you will need to understand pet health emergencies on holidays so you will not have to get stressed at such beautiful times. In this article, we discussed some of the most common holiday emergencies for pets that may put you under stress especially when no vet will be available during that time. Now you will have an idea regarding winter holiday pet safety. Check our other pet care guides for more information.
