How To Avoid Holiday Vet Visits - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

WMDT 47 NEWS -- Between the trimming the tree and carving of the turkey, this time of year can be a handful..especially for pet owners. Which is why local veterinarians say be extra careful, especially with those holiday handouts.

"Don't be afraid to communicate with your friends and your relatives about what the rules are with regards to the pet, and if you have somebody that just won't listen like an older grandmother then just don't have the dog there," Dr. Michael Peter's with Johnson-McKee Animal Hospital tells us.

That's because fatty foods like gravy on your plate can make your pet sick. Watch out for small bones, which are popular around this time of year. Depending on the size of them, if ingested they can be deadly.

"The risk exists of it causing obstruction of perforated bowel and those can be catastrophic," Dr. Peters warns.

Vets say one of the biggest problems around the holidays are things like tinsel and low lying ornaments. But the solution is simple, just take your ornaments and place them a little higher on the tree.

But it's what's under your tree that can be hazardous too.

"Be particularly careful about ribbons the long string ribbons those things should be removed and put into a container immediately ."

If you would like to include your pet in the holiday festivities, experts recommend putting small amounts of white meat turkey in your pets food. If your pet has dietary restrictions avoid holiday food all together and give them extra attention with the family once the table is cleared.