The Holidays are a time to get together with your friends and family and spend some quality time. However, for pet parents, it can invite unpredictable emergencies at times in the face of health issues, unavailability of the vet, or unwanted accidents. But you don’t want the favorite member of the family to get hurt or face any inconvenience during such a fun time, right?
These adversities can be handled better if you are prepared and keep the right information at the tips. This informative post will equip you with the knowledge to be there for your pet when it needs you.
Let’s get started!
5 Common Holiday Pet Emergencies
Here are the common pet emergencies you may encounter during the holiday season.
1. Gastrointestinal emergencies
All the extra treats given in the holiday spirit may invite some gastrointestinal emergencies like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy for your pet. Some pets are sensitive to dietary changes. So, if you don’t monitor them and don’t notice these symptoms, it can cause a great deal of discomfort for your furry friend.
2. Food toxicity
The exciting foods we enjoy during holidays can be highly toxic for pets. Foods like chocolate, grapes, desserts containing xylitol, and high-fat foods can make them severely ill. Apart from food items, drinks like alcohol, coffee, and lime juice are also harmful to dogs. It is crucial to keep these beverages out of their reach.
3. Fever or low body temperature
Fluctuation in body temperature is another health emergency that you may encounter during the festivals but you can be prepared. The normal body temperature range for dogs and cats is 101° to 102° F. If your pet’s temperature falls outside this range, contact your vet. Other signs of fever or low temperature include shaking, shivering, or lethargy.
4. Stained gums
The color of your pet’s gums can tell a lot about their health condition, so pay attention. For instance, gums that are off-white or have a blue tint indicate shock. Discolored gums often indicate anemia, low blood sugar or internal bleeding. This calls for immediate vet consultation.
5. Burns or electric shocks
The holiday candles surely add to the mood and charm of celebration. However, pets can get attracted to them and experience skin burns or irritation. Along with the candles, the festive lights may appear as something to play with or chew on. This can cause burns to their lips, or mouth, or a life-threatening shock.
Read More- Best Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs
How to Deal with Holiday Pet Emergencies?
Here are a few things you can keep in mind to handle pet emergencies better during holidays.
1. Knowing when to seek help
Timely treatment can ensure the well-being of your canine buddy but for that, you must know when to seek help. If your pet is showing signs of distress like lethargy, vomiting, or difficulty breathing then it’s time to contact your vet. Being aware of these symptoms facilitates prompt action when urgent medical attention is required.
2. Keep the numbers ready
During the holidays, several vet clinics have limited hours, so be aware of any such changes. In case your family veterinary doctor is not available, be prepared with a nearby alternative. Moreover, if you are traveling, you must arrange for a vet near your destination for prompt action during an emergency.
3. Have an emergency kit prepared
During an emergency, you don’t always get time to gather everything you need. So put together a kit in advance that includes:
● Contact numbers: Vet or emergency clinic
● Past medical records of your pet
● Pet carrier
● Food and water
● Extra leash and collar
● First aid kit
Final Words
Despite all your efforts, emergencies can occur at any time. So, the best you can do is be prepared for the common pet emergencies. Take the measures mentioned in this article proactively to avoid great discomfort for your furry companion during the holiday season.