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New Year ER Pet Safety: Toxins and Trauma

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Why New Year celebrations are risky for pets New Year’s celebrations around Braselton are full of music, guests, food, and late-night fun. For dogs and cats, that same excitement can quickly turn into a trip to the emergency room. At Braselton ER Veterinary, we routinely see holiday-related emergencies from toxin ingestion, anxiety, and accidental injuries in the final days of December and first week of January. Many pets are stressed by changes in routine, visitors, and loud noises. That stress may drive them to bolt through doors, chew inappropriate objects, or raid counters and trash cans. Alcohol, cannabis products, fatty leftovers, and skewers or toothpicks are just a few of the common offenders that can seriously harm your pet. Common New Year toxins and injuries Alcohol, cannabis, and party foods Even small amounts of alcoholic beverages can cause vomiting, unsteadiness, low blood sugar, and even coma in pets. Edible ...
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New Year’s Eve Pet Safety: What to Do When Your Pet Gets Scared

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New Year’s Eve is a night filled with excitement, celebrations, and fireworks — but for many pets, it’s one of the most stressful nights of the year. Loud noises, flashing lights, unfamiliar guests, and sudden changes in routine can cause fear, anxiety, and even dangerous escape attempts. Preparing ahead of time is the best way to protect your pet and ensure they feel secure as the new year begins. Below are key steps to take before, during, and after the celebrations to keep your furry friend safe. 1. Create a calm, quiet space for your pet Fireworks and parties can overwhelm pets, so give them a safe retreat. Choose a quiet room away from windows and external noise. Add familiar comforts such as: - Their bed or crate - Blankets with your scent - Soft music or a white-noise machine - Favorite toys The goal is to create a soothing environment that naturally reduces anxiety. 2. Use noise-reduction techniques Sounds from fireworks can cause panic. To reduce their impact during peak hours...
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Christmas Pet Emergencies: Preparing for the Unexpected

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Christmas brings food, decorations, travel, guests — and for pets, more dangers than almost any other time of year. With new scents, tempting treats, flashing lights, and unfamiliar visitors, even the calmest pets may find themselves in risky situations. Emergencies can happen quickly, and preparation is the key to responding effectively and protecting your companion. Having a plan ensures you’re ready to act fast, even during holiday chaos. From knowing common hazards to assembling a pet first-aid kit, the right steps today could prevent tragedy tomorrow. 1. Common Christmas emergencies to anticipate Many holiday emergencies result from just a few causes. Understanding them helps you prevent trouble before it starts. - Food toxicity — chocolate, onions, raisins, xylitol in sugar-free sweets - Foreign object ingestion — tinsel, ribbons, ornament hooks, bones - Electrical injuries — chewed light cords, broken bulbs - Stress-related incidents — bites, escape attempts, anxiety vomitin...
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How to Keep Your Pet Safe from Holiday Poisons

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The holiday season brings festive food, sparkling décor, and joyful gatherings — but it also introduces a range of poisonous hazards for pets. Curious animals often explore new scents and snacks without understanding the danger. With chocolate desserts, toxic plants, and ornament fragments scattered throughout the home, accidental ingestion becomes more common this time of year. Preventing poisoning is far safer than treating it. By recognizing risks early and taking simple precautions, pet owners can protect their companions and enjoy the holidays with peace of mind. 1. Know which holiday foods are toxic Many seasonal treats are dangerous for pets. Chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, and foods containing xylitol (commonly found in sugar-free candy and baked goods) can cause severe illness. Alcohol, coffee, fatty meats, and leftover bones are equally harmful. Even small amounts can trigger vomiting, tremors, seizures, or organ failure. Tip: Keep treats in seale...
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Pet Care During the Holidays: What to Do in an Emergency

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The holiday season is full of busy schedules, travel, decorations, and unfamiliar foods — all of which can pose unexpected risks to pets. From swallowing ornaments to eating festive treats, many animals experience medical emergencies during this time of year. With vet clinics booked, reduced holiday hours, and delayed response times, knowing what to do in an emergency can make a critical difference. Prepared pet owners navigate the season confidently. The key is understanding risks, knowing when to seek help, and taking fast action when something goes wrong. Below are essential steps for managing holiday pet emergencies responsibly and safely. 1. Identify common holiday hazards early Many festive traditions bring hidden dangers. Chocolate, alcohol, grapes, xylitol-sweetened desserts, electrical cords, tinsel, and holiday plants like poinsettias and lilies can all make pets sick. Even well-meaning guests offering table scraps can introduce harmful foods. Keeping high-risk items out of r...
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Preparing Your Pet for Cold Weather: Winter Care Tips

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As temperatures drop and winter sets in, it’s important to remember that our furry companions feel the chill too. Cold weather can be tough on pets—especially those who spend time outdoors or have short fur. Preparing your pet for winter is about more than just comfort; it’s about protecting them from cold-related health risks like frostbite, dry skin, and hypothermia. Here’s how to keep your pets safe, warm, and happy all season long. 1. Limit Outdoor Time Even if your pet loves the snow, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be dangerous. Short walks are fine, but avoid leaving pets outside for long periods—especially in windy or icy conditions. Tips: - Keep walks brief and monitor your pet for signs of shivering. - Choose sunny times of day for outdoor activity. - Wipe paws after walks to remove ice, salt, and chemicals. If your pet must be outside, provide a dry, insulated shelter away from the wind, and ensure they have unfrozen water available. 2. Dress for Warmth Small...
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Black Friday: Pet Safety Tips for Busy Shopping Days

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Black Friday marks one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Whether you’re braving the crowds for deals or spending hours shopping online, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. But while you’re focused on scoring discounts, your pets may be facing risks of their own—ranging from stress and anxiety to household hazards caused by the day’s hustle and bustle. Here are important Black Friday pet safety tips to help you keep your furry companions calm, safe, and comfortable while you enjoy the excitement. 1. Keep Pets Secure While You’re Out Shopping If you’re planning to spend hours away from home, make sure your pets are in a safe and secure environment. Leaving them alone for too long can lead to anxiety, boredom, or destructive behavior. Before heading out: - Make sure your pet has plenty of food, water, and toys. - Keep them in a comfortable area of the house, away from hazards. - Avoid leaving them outdoors or in cars, even for short periods. If you expect to be gone most of t...
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