From me to you, I want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. Many of us want to include our pets in the festivities, but it needs to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few suggestions to help you do this.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL WITH YOUR SENIOR PET

  • Discuss with your vet if your pet is well enough to travel without aggravating their condition.
  • Travel with a “comfort kit’ or emergency medications for unexpected changes
  • Leave your pet only with a trusted pet-sitter, family member, or kennel.
  • Be sure to leave written consent to treatment and any end of life wishes with a caregiver.
  • Shipping delays are common, ensure you have enough of their regular food and treats on hand.
  • Make sure all vaccines are current.
  • Refill all medications filled and have them readily available.
  • Post phone numbers for the vet, a 24-hour emergency vet, and poison control in a convenient place.
  • Make sure your pet has identification tags on their collar.
  • Have a current photo readily available.
  • With the hustle and bustle of the season, prepare a quite space for your pet for them to feel safe wherever you are going.

Remember, holidays are not only stressful for us, but they are also stressful for our four-legged family members.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS & FOOD SAFETY

The holidays are full of festive gatherings with family and friends. We bring the outdoors in, decorating our homes with fresh smelling poinsettias, pinecones, and a cut tree. We string holly or fresh garland, and even hang mistletoe. The foods are richer, sweeter, and tastier, filling the home with irresistible aromas for people and our pets. But did you know that much of this is poisonous for our pets if they ingest them.

Winter holiday pet safety | American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org)

Holiday safety tips for pets | The Humane Society of the United States



PLANNING & SAYING GOODBYE OVER THE HOLIDAYS

As wonderful as the holidays are, euthanasia cases spike during the festive season. Many families want to hold on to have one last holiday with their pets leading to waiting too long to say goodbye. Saying goodbye requires planning to ease the overwhelming mixed emotions that will present itself that final day. Here are a few suggestions to help you plan.

Consider who would want to be present for your pets passing. Think about ways you would like to memorialize your pet and plan ahead of time. Many photographers are offering senior pet phot shoots which will capture and preserve the love you share with your pet. Consider creating a bucket list for your senior pet to enjoy their remaining days together.

https://www.petworks.com/articles/saying-goodbye-to-pets-during-holidays/

Steps to the Perfect Senior Dog Bucket List | TopDog Health

HOLIDAY HOURS

EMERGENCY ONLY 9a-3p

Nov 23-Thanksgiving

Dec-25-Christmas

CLOSED

Jan 1-New Year’s Day