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Monthly Update
December 2011
BBVA Staff
Happy Holidays from all of us at Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates!


10 Holiday Hazards for Pets

 

1. Ornaments and Decorations 

Dogs and cats alike are prone to eating ornaments and decorations. Cats tend to find ribbon, bows and tinsel especially irresistible. Every year at this time we have patients that need surgery to remove holiday items that have become lodged in their stomach or intestines.

 

2. Holiday plants

Ingestion of poinsetta, holly and Christmas trees or tree water can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can also dog and cat in holiday hatsmake pets sick. Lilies are extremely toxic. All of these items should be kept away from pets.

 

3. Rich foods and treats

Pets who are fed fatty or spicy foods can get pancreatitis, which can make them very sick and can even be fatal.

 

4. Bones

Small bones from poultry or meat may damage or block your pet's digestive tract.

 

5. Candles  Disaster could be just a tail swipe away. Be sure to keep candles up high in a location where they cannot be accidentally knocked over by your pets.

6. Chocolate
 

Chocolate contains three compounds that are poisonous to pets. Read more in our October newsletter article.

 

7. Grapes, Raisins and Macadamia Nuts 

Cats won't be interested in nibbling these, but they are toxic to dogs! Keep Fido away from them.

 

8. Garbage

Dogs love to break into the trash after the people have feasted. Make sure you carefully secure garbage bags and place them out of reach.

 

9. Electrical cords and lights

Dogs and cats may be tempted to play with and chew electrical cords for holiday lights. If they chew too hard, they may get a bad shock that results in an electrical burn or even respiratory distress.

 

10. Guests

Pets can dart out the door during the all the comings and goings of holiday guests. If you are planning to entertain this season, make sure your guests are aware of the pets, and consider keeping your pets in a room away from the company or in a crate. Your pet will feel safer and won't be exposed to all the dangerous holiday temptations.

 

Be on the lookout for these 10 potential health hazards and have a safe and happy holiday season with your pets!

 

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Meet Bonnie     

BBVA staff picture of Bonnie  

Bonnie has been with BBVA for four years.  She was working as a receptionist when a technician left our team a few years ago.  When asked if she would like to train to fill that position, she jumped at the chance to work directly with the animals.

Known around the hospital as the "food girl,"  she orders all of the prescription food for our patients.  She has taken a special interest in learning about all of the prescription diets we offer.

Bonnie lives with her husband Arthur, daughter Angelica, her chocolate lab Molly, and her two cats Pretty Girl and Saphia.  When she is not at BBVA, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, playing games or just relaxing.

 

 

Tips& Info

If you missed an issue of this newsletter or want to refer to a past article, be sure to check our archived articles in the  "News" section of our website.

 

For additional holiday tips and news,join us on Facebook. Our Facebook page is a great place to ask questions (and get answers), exchange ideas for pet names, share photos and build a community with our staff and other pet lovers. 

Dog wearing antlers 

Have a happy, healthy holiday!