The Holidays are upon us!

We all have been looking forward to this season no matter what faith or nationality we follow.

The great foods, the decorations, the friends and family get togethers, the ribbons and bows and brightly wrapped gifts!

Our four legged friends can't read the calendar, or operate the i-phone to keep track of all the coming and goings of our holiday parties and gatherings. It is up to us to make sure they are safe and happy during these special days as well as all year.

Special care should be taken with regards to their safety during this time. We hope this information will help you to keep them safe and avoid a visit to us for a serious injury or illness.

While you are cooking and preparing all those wonderful smelling dishes please remember that they smell wonderful to our pets too. As they are under foot in the kitchen or hiding under the table at meal times, do not fall for the sad eyes longing for just a few bites or even to lick the plate clean for you.

Human food along with the fats and spices can make your pet extremely sick.  Every year we have pets presented for severe  vomiting and diarrhea related to holiday foods. These veterinarian visits can be costly depending on the degree of the illness even landing your beloved furry friend in the hospital for days.

Bones are dangerous! Chicken, Turkey and Duck bones are especially dangerous and many pets have lost their lives to these bones splintering in the digestive tract causing irreversible internal damage.

Try having a Tupperware container of canned green beans (with no salt added)or carrots handy to give your pet a safe and healthy treat. As with all treats they should be given in moderation, just one or two green beans at a time. Remember we carry Lean Treats which pets just love, stock up for the season.

Holiday Plants and decorations can be hazardous too:

Tinsel, angel hair, garland, artificial snow, snow flock, and rubber bands can cause severe damage to the intestinal tract if ingested.

Holly, Mistletoe, berries, Christmas greens such as Balsam, Juniper, Cedar, Pine, and fir all are in some way toxic to our pets as well as Poinsettia plants. Please keep these out of your pet's reach.

Ornament hooks, some ornaments with wires and ties, gift bows and ribbons, and Fire place salts can be dangerous to cats and dogs. The temptation to play with bright and fun objects can be hard to resists for our friends. It is up to us to keep these items away from them.

If we are diligent and remember how our pets see the world especially during the holidays we all will have a wonderful time.

Of course if you are unsure if something is a hazard to your pet or with any questions or concerns feel free to call us and talk to any of our animal health care technicians. 561-737-6300

Wishing you all the happiness and good cheer through the holidays,

Dr Blankman, Dr Banting  and the staff of

Fountains of Boynton Animal Hospital