Tips from Valencia Veterinary Center

Food
Keep people food away from pets. If you want to share holiday treats with your pets, make or buy treats formulated just for them. The following people foods are especially hazardous for pets:
• Chocolate
• Other sweets and baked goods
• Table scraps
• Yeast dough
• Turkey and turkey skin – sometimes even in small amounts – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis.

Decorating
Greenery, lights and Christmas trees can make the holidays festive, but they also pose risky temptations for our pets. The following are especially hazardous:
• Water additives for Christmas trees
• Tinsel and other holiday decorations
• Electric lights can cause burns when a curious pet chews the cords.
• Flowers and festive plants can result in an emergency veterinary visit if your pet gets hold of them. Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are among the common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to pets who decide to eat them. Poinsettias can be troublesome as well.
When You Leave the House
• Unplug decorations while you’re not around. Cats, dogs and other pets are often tempted to chew electrical cords.
• Take out the trash to make sure your pets can’t get to it, especially if it contains any food or food scraps.
Plan in Advance
Make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before there’s an emergency. We are open 24 hours per day, every single day of the year. We are there when you need us, so don’t hesitate to call or come in.
Valencia Veterinary Center is located at 23928 Summerhill Lane in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-263-9000. You can also learn more online, www.bestvalenciavet.com.