The holiday season is upon us, and many of us plan to include our furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.
Christmas tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset from spilling. Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet. Tinsel: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. Candles: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out! Wires: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract. Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans. Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills. Please note that the clinic will be closing at noon on Tuesday, December 24th and will be fully closed on Wednesday, December 25th and Thursday, December 26th. We will re-open on Friday, December 27th with our regular hours. We will be closing at noon again on Tuesday, December 31st and fully closed on Wednesday, January 1st and will re-open on Thursday, January 2nd with our regular hours at 8am. In case of an emergency over the holidays, please contact the Vaughan Richmond Hill Emergency Clinic at 905-884-1832, or the Central Toronto Veterinary Referral and Emergency at 416-784-4444. We wish everyone a Happy Holiday!
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Bringing your senior pet in for a wellness check up can reassure you that your dog or cat is healthy. It can also help detect hidden diseases or conditions early. Early detection can improve the prognosis of many diseases, keep medical costs down, and help your pet live longer. Many dogs and cats are good at hiding signs that something is wrong, so subtle changes in their health and behavior might be easy to overlook. Also, depending on the disease, some pets do not show any signs.
Dogs and Cats age quicker than humans, so it is even more crucial for our companion animals to receive regular exams. In addition, the risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, dental disease, kidney and liver disease all increase with age. Call us today to schedule an exam for your senior pet! |
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DUFFERIN-STEELES ANIMAL HOSPITAL
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Emergency Care
If this is an urgent issue and it is outside our normal business hours, please contact: Vaughan-Richmond Hill Emergency Clinic 10303 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C3B9 (905)884-1832 or Central Toronto Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic 1051 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M6C2C9 (416)784-4444 Our Partners in care |
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