Greetings!  

Happy Holidays! The holiday season is indeed upon us and Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital would like to take this time to thank all of our clients for your continued support and dedication to this practice. Everything we do, we do for you and your animals and we appreciate your loyalty to our hospital.

We hope we've made your holiday season more festive through our events at the hospital and we can't wait to do even more in the coming year.

For now, we wish you happy holidays and hope you ring in the new year with nothing but joy and happiness!

'Tis the season to be jolly and knowing hidden holiday hazards will keep the season festive.  Winter brings its own set of unique concerns for your pet such as frostbite, hypothermia, road salt burn, ice balls and antifreeze ingestion.  Holiday food items, plants, liquid potpourris, and hazards around the Christmas tree can also pose a threat.
 

Lilly flowers are deadly to your cat.  Ingesting any part of a Lilly plant causes sudden kidney failure in this species.  Poinsettias are not poisonous to your pet but if they are ingested they irritate the mouth and stomach and may cause mild vomiting.  Mistletoe ingestion has similar results to the Poinsettia. Also, liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holidays. Animals may ingest this product which can cause severe burns in the mouth.

Now for the Christmas tree. Cats ingesting tinsel and ribbon is a very common problem.  The tinsel or ribbon gets caught in the intestines and causes an obstruction.  Animals can electrocute themselves by chewing on electric cords near the tree. Always cover the cords.

Excerpts from Dr. House's article:

Winter Pet Perils, Our Family Magazine www.ourfamilymag.com, Nov/Dec 2011

S. Barrington Park District "Tree-A-Rama"

If you've got your pet on your Christmas list, we've got a few tips for you! It's fun for dogs and cats to open presents too and the following ideas are sure to light up everyone's Christmas morning. Cats might enjoy a laser mouse, a fishing pole with a feather on the end, a turbo track, or a refillable cat nip toy. Dogs of course, will love the infamous squeaky toy, maybe in a holiday shape. Kong toys are also an excellent choice. The rubbery substance is good for dogs' teeth. Plus, these toys can be filled with treats, so as your dogs plays, treats will automatically be dispensed! The Wiggly Giggly, a toy that squeaks and makes odd noises, is a hit with dogs! It's great for them to chase around the house. Check Dr. House's blog throughout December for these and other great gift ideas!