Avoid Holiday Pet Emergencies: Gastrointestinal Issues and How to Help Your Pet Stay Healthy

The Christmas season is a time of joy, but unfortunately, it also brings an increase in pet emergencies—especially at the veterinary clinic. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen far too many pets during the holidays who ended up needing urgent care, and one of the most common issues is gastrointestinal upset. This can include vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, and other digestive problems.

If your pet is prone to these types of issues, I highly recommend considering a quality digestive enzyme and probiotic supplement to support their gut health throughout the season.

Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews: A Tasty Solution

Our NEW Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews are an excellent option. Not only are they packed with digestive enzymes, but they also offer a probiotic blend that supports healthy gut flora, helping to prevent bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and even pancreatitis. These soft chews are a delicious and beneficial treat your dog will love!

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Probiotic Supplement: For Dogs and Cats

If you’re looking for an alternative or a complement to the soft chews, our Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Probiotic Supplement for Dogs and Cats is another great option. This multistrain probiotic supplement contains 5 billion CFUs per capsule, providing potent digestive support for your pets. It’s ideal for pets that need that extra help with gut health.

Calm Your Pet’s Holiday Anxiety

Along with digestive issues, anxiety can also become more of a concern during the holiday season. If your pet is struggling with anxiety, consider our NEW Canine Calming Chews, or try our Cannabinoid Products like Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD and Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Cannabinoid Blend. These products can help soothe your pet, keeping them calm and comfortable during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

By taking preventive steps, you can help your pet stay healthy and happy this Christmas season—without the need for a trip to the emergency vet. Keep their digestive system in check, and help them relax, so you can both enjoy the holidays to the fullest.

Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pets

The holiday season brings a lot of joy, but it can also pose potential risks for your pets. As a veterinarian, I’m here to provide you with practical advice on how to keep your furry friends safe during the festivities.

Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations

Oh, Christmas Tree:
Ensure your Christmas tree is securely anchored to prevent it from tipping over and causing injury. A stable tree will also keep tree water—often containing fertilizers—contained, as this water can upset your pet’s stomach if ingested. Additionally, stagnant tree water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to nausea or diarrhea in your pet if they drink from it.

Avoid Mistletoe, Holly, and Lilies:
Holly can cause pets to experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested, while mistletoe can lead to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues. Many varieties of lilies are toxic to cats, potentially leading to kidney failure if consumed. For a pet-safe alternative, consider artificial plants or a non-toxic bouquet.

Tinsel-Free Zone:
Cats are often drawn to tinsel because of its shiny and sparkly appeal. However, if ingested, it can obstruct the digestive tract, leading to severe vomiting, dehydration, and even requiring surgery. Instead of tinsel, try decorating with safer alternatives.

The Holiday Glow:
If you’re using candles as part of your decor, always ensure they’re placed in stable holders on secure surfaces. Never leave a lit candle unattended, as your pet could accidentally knock it over, leading to burns or even a fire.

Wired Up:
Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of your pet’s reach. Electrical wires can give pets a potentially fatal shock, while punctured batteries can cause serious burns to the mouth and esophagus. Broken ornaments can also injure your pet’s mouth or digestive system.

Avoid Holiday Food Dangers

Skip the Sweets:
You’re likely aware of the dangers of chocolate and xylitol to your pets, but it’s important to also be vigilant about food that might seem harmless. Pets will go to great lengths to access human food, so be sure to keep plates and garbage securely out of reach.

Leave the Leftovers:
Avoid feeding your pets fatty, spicy, or cooked bones, as these can cause serious health problems. Fatty foods, especially bacon, can lead to pancreatitis, which often requires veterinary care.

Careful with Cocktails:
During holiday celebrations, ensure that alcoholic beverages are kept away from pets. Alcohol can cause weakness, illness, and even a coma. In severe cases, it may lead to respiratory failure and death.

Selecting Special Treats:
If you’re looking to stuff your pet’s stockings, opt for safe chew toys, Kongs filled with healthy food, or treats designed to be digestible. Be cautious with stringy toys, like ribbon and yarn, as they can cause severe digestive blockages in cats, often requiring surgery. Instead, consider balls that are too large to swallow or stuffed catnip toys.

Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering

House Rules:
Let your guests know that they can engage with your pets, but ask them to ensure that playtime or petting sessions remain calm and supervised. This way, your pets can enjoy some extra attention without getting overwhelmed.

Put the Meds Away:
Ensure all medications—both yours and your guests’—are securely stored out of your pet’s reach. It’s easy to forget about open containers, so a little precaution can go a long way in keeping your pet safe.

A Room of Their Own:
Give your pet a quiet space where they can retreat if they get stressed. Make sure the area is stocked with fresh water and a comfy place to relax. Some pets might prefer hiding under furniture or in a separate room to escape the noise and chaos.

New Year’s Noise:
As you celebrate the New Year, remember that things like confetti, party poppers, and fireworks can be stressful and even dangerous for pets. Confetti can cause intestinal blockages in cats, while loud noises may cause hearing damage or anxiety. Consider using calming products, like Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews, before the festivities begin.

Heal Your Pet at Home

As you plan for the holiday season, keep in mind that some of the stressors and minor illnesses your pet may face can be managed with the right products.

Best Wishes for a Safe Holiday Season

I hope you and your pets have a safe, joyful, and hazard-free holiday season!

P.S. If your pet does experience any of the inevitable seasonal upsets, our products can help:

• Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews: A tasty, beneficial treat that helps support your dog’s digestive health.
• Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Probiotic Supplement: This multistrain formula contains 5 billion CFU’s per capsule, promoting optimal gut health for both dogs and cats.
• Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD and Canine Calming Chews: These products are ideal for managing anxiety, especially during stressful times like the holidays.

Stay safe and happy holidays to you and your pets!