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A Veterinarian’s Guide to Pet Safety During the Holidays

    The holiday season is a time of warmth, celebration, and togetherness - but amidst the joy and decorations, this festive period can also present a host of hidden dangers to our furry companions. Luckily we put together a comprehensive holiday pet safety guide so you can know how to keep your pet happy & healthy during this joyful (and potentially hazardous!) time of year.


    Toxic Holiday Foods

    What’s a feast for us can be a life-threatening danger for pets. Some of our favorite holiday foods are actually toxic to cats and dogs.

    Colorful gingerbread cookies with red, white, and blue icing in star and leaf shapes, arranged on a textured gray surface.

    • Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

    • Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.

    • Xylitol (in sugar-free candy and baked goods): Causes a rapid insulin release leading to hypoglycemia, liver failure, and even death in dogs.

    • Alcohol: Even small amounts can lead to intoxication and respiratory failure.

    • Fatty Foods & Bones: Table scraps like turkey skin or ham can lead to pancreatitis, while cooked bones may splinter and cause internal injuries.

    • Yeast Dough: Can rise in a pet's stomach, causing painful bloating and potentially twisting of the stomach (bloat or GDV), which is a life-threatening emergency. The yeast also ferments, producing alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.


    NAH Safety Tip: Politely decline the urge to “treat” your pet to a Christmas dinner. Stick to their regular diet and offer pet-safe treats instead.


    Red gift box with white ribbon surrounded by gold and red tinsel, glittery baubles, and confetti, creating a festive holiday mood.

    Dangerous Decorations

    While your pet might find Christmas decorations fascinating, they’re not toys—and many pose real risks.


    • Tinsel and Ribbons: Particularly tempting to cats, these can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

    • Glass Ornaments: If broken, they can cut paws or be accidentally ingested.

    • Electric Lights and Cords: Pets that chew wires risk burns or electrocution.

    • Candles: Curious noses and wagging tails can easily knock them over, causing burns or fires.

    • Holiday Tree Water: May contain fertilizers, pesticides, or bacteria that can cause vomiting or diarrhea if ingested.


    NAH Safety Tip: Keep ornaments and lights out of reach, and opt for shatterproof decorations when possible.


    Holiday Plants

    Red poinsettias and green fir branches on wood. White candle with “Ho Ho Ho” text, tied with red string, in a box with star decoration.

    Some festive plants can be highly toxic to pets:


    • Mistletoe: Contains toxins that can cause a range of symptoms in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to gastrointestinal irritation. In more severe cases, it can affect the heart, leading to a drop in blood pressure, a slowed heart rate, and even collapse.

    • Poinsettias: Usually cause mild irritation - ingestion can lead to drooling or vomiting.

    • Holly: Can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    • Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats - even licking the pollen can cause kidney failure.


    NAH Safety Tip: Consider pet-safe alternatives or keep plants far out of reach and off the floor.


    A child opens a gift amid colorful wrapping paper by a lit Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere.

    Gift Wrap and Toys

    Wrapping paper, bows, and toys with small parts are easy to overlook, but pose real threats:


    • Plastic packaging and wrapping: Can cause choking or an intestinal blockage when eaten.

    • Batteries and magnets: Swallowing batteries or magnets is a medical emergency. Batteries can cause severe internal burns and tissue damage as the battery discharges, while magnets can attract each other across intestinal walls - leading to tissue necrosis, perforation, and peritonitis.

    • Toys with small parts: Can become lodged in the throat or intestines if chewed and swallowed.


    NAH Safety Tip: Clean up wrapping paper quickly after gifts are opened, and supervise your pet around new toys.


    Guests and Stress

    During the holidays, pets can experience increased stress due to a combination of factors. The influx of visitors, changes in their daily routine, and the general increase in household noise can be overwhelming. These disruptions can lead to anxiety, hiding behaviors, or even attempts to escape from the home.

    Smiling woman serves turkey to family at festive dinner table. Warm candlelight, Christmas tree, and cozy atmosphere.

    • Open doors: During holiday gatherings, with many people coming and going, it's easy for a door to be left ajar. Pets, especially those who are curious or prone to bolting, can quickly slip out unnoticed, putting them at risk.

    • Stress-induced illness: The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be very stressful for pets. This stress can manifest as gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, or behavioral issues like increased anxiety or aggression.

    • Unknown guests feeding treats: Well-meaning visitors may not be aware of which human foods are toxic or unhealthy for pets. Even small amounts of certain foods can cause significant health problems for your furry friends.


    NAH Safety Tip: Provide a quiet, secure space where your pet can retreat, and inform guests not to feed them when they are out and socializing.


    When to Call the Vet

    Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately if your pet:


    • Ingests something toxic

    • Vomits repeatedly or has severe diarrhea

    • Seems lethargic or disoriented

    • Has difficulty breathing

    • Shows signs of pain or discomfort


    The holiday season should be a time of comfort and joy for the whole family, including your pets. With a bit of preparation and vigilance, you can keep the holidays merry, bright, and safe for your furry friends. If you’re ever unsure whether something is safe for your pet, a quick call to your vet or one of the below pet poison helplines could save you both a lot of heartache.


    Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

    ASPCA Pet Poison Control: (888) 426-4435


    From all of us here at Newberry Animal Hospital, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!



    Having a pet emergency when our hospitals are closed for the holidays? Contact one of our local pet emergency hospitals to get your furry friend immediate care:


    Community Care Veterinary Specialists: (352) 225-3501

    UF Small Animal Hospital: (352) 392-2235

    Urgent Vet Gainesville: (352) 374-0040


    Early Signs of Diabetes in Pets You Shouldn’t Ignore


      A cat with yellow eyes gazes upwards as a hand with red nail polish gently touches its nose. Gray background creates a calm mood.

      Diabetes isn’t just a human condition - our furry family members can develop it too. Diabetes in pets can often go unnoticed in the early stages, as the signs can be subtle or mistaken for normal aging. Early detection is key to helping your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life.


      What Is Diabetes in Pets?


      Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly produce or respond to insulin - the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar (glucose). This leads to elevated glucose levels in the blood and urine, which can affect multiple organs if left untreated. Just like in people, pets with diabetes require proper management. This can usually be achieved with insulin, a tailored diet, and regular monitoring.


      Early Signs to Watch for in Dogs and Cats:


      While some pets show very clear signs of diabetes, others may only display subtle changes. Here are some of the most common early symptoms of diabetes in both dogs and cats:


      1. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): If your pet is suddenly draining their water bowl more than usual, don’t ignore it! Excessive thirst is one of the most common and early signs of diabetes.


      2. Frequent Urination (Polyuria): Drinking more water leads to more bathroom trips. You might notice more accidents in the house, increased litter box usage, or that your dog is asking to go outside more often.


      3. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia): Due to an inability to process glucose properly, a diabetic pet’s body typically reacts by signaling hunger as it tries to gain energy.


      4. Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite eating more, a diabetic pet may still lose weight. If your pet is eating normally (or even more than usual) but still losing weight, it could be a sign that their body isn’t processing nutrients effectively, which is often a red flag for diabetes.


      5. Lethargy or Weakness: Is your pet sleeping more than usual or not as interested in playing? Chronic fatigue or weakness, especially in the hind legs for cats, can indicate nerve issues related to diabetes.


      6. Cloudy Eyes (Dogs Only): Diabetic cataracts can cause cloudy or bluish eyes in dogs. If left untreated, they can lead to blindness.


      7. Poor Coat Condition: Cats especially may stop grooming themselves as their energy levels drop. A greasy or unkempt coat can be another subtle sign of something being off.


      What to Do If You Notice These Signs:


      If your dog or cat is showing any of these symptoms, don’t wait! Your pet’s veterinarian can do a simple blood test and urinalysis to confirm if diabetes is the cause.


      Early treatment helps avoid complications like:


      • Cataracts and blindness

      • Nerve damage

      • Urinary tract infections

      • Kidney issues

      • Ketoacidosis (a life-threatening condition)


      The earlier we can catch diabetes in your pet, the easier it is to manage. If something feels off with your furry friend, trust your instincts and give us a call. You know your pet best - we’re just here to help you keep them happy & healthy.



      Understanding Your Pet's Body Condition Score

        As pet parents, we all want our furry companions to live long, healthy, and happy lives. One important, but often overlooked, part of your pet’s overall health is their Body Condition Score (BCS). This simple scoring system helps determine whether your pet has a healthy physique - and it’s just as important as tracking their weight on the scale.


        What is a Body Condition Score?

        The Body Condition Score is a veterinary tool used to assess the amount of fat your pet is carrying. Unlike body weight alone, BCS takes into account your pet’s shape, muscle mass, and fat distribution. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s BCS by feeling and observing key areas of the body, including the ribs, waist, and abdomen. Here's a basic guide to what they look for:


        Dog Body Condition Score chart; shows side and top views of dogs from very thin to obese. Numbers 1-9 classify condition levels.
        Cat Body Condition Score chart; shows side and top views of cats from very thin to obese. Numbers 1-9 classify condition levels.

        Underweight (BCS 1–3)

        • Ribs, spine, and pelvic bones are easily visible

        • Little or no body fat

        • Obvious loss of muscle mass


        Ideal (BCS 4–6)

        • Ribs are easily felt but not visible

        • Pet has a visible waist when viewed from above

        • Tucked-up abdomen when viewed from the side


        Overweight (BCS 7–8)

        • Ribs are difficult to feel

        • Waist is less defined

        • Abdomen has little or no tuck


        Obese (BCS 9)

        • Ribs are very difficult or impossible to feel

        • No visible waist

        • Abdominal area is rounded or sagging


        Woman in a denim jacket sits under a tree, smiling and petting a Shiba Inu. Tan backpack nearby. Bright green park background.


        Why Does Body Condition Score Matter?

        A healthy Body Condition Score isn't just about looks – it's a powerful shield against serious health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, respiratory problems, & more


        In fact, studies from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that pets kept at a healthy weight can live up to 2.5 years longer than their overweight counterparts.


        How You Can Check at Home

        You can perform a simplified BCS check at home by using the “Rib & Waist Test”:


        1. Feel your pet's ribs – Can you feel them easily, or do you have to press hard?

        2. Look at your pet from above – Is there a visible waist behind their ribs?

        3. Look at your pet from the side – Is there an upward tuck in their belly?


        If you’re unsure, or if you think your pet might be over or under their ideal BCS, we are here to help! Monitoring a pet’s body condition is an important part of every exam we do, and we are more than happy to walk you through it at your pet’s next visit.



        Tabby cat on geometric rug playfully reaching for a pink and green feather toy, with a cozy indoor setting in soft colors.

        What If My Pet Isn’t at an Ideal BCS?

        If your pet is underweight or overweight, their veterinarian will help you develop a safe, measured plan to get them back to a healthy BCS. This might include:


        • Adjusting their diet (type & amount of food)

        • Creating an exercise plan

        • Monitoring progress regularly


        One thing to remember when it comes to pets with high or low BCS is that safe and sustained changes are key. Just like in humans, crash diets or drastic changes in activity can be harmful to other areas of your pet’s health - it is always best practice to follow your veterinarian’s weight management plan and make gradual progress over time.


        Your pet’s Body Condition Score is more than just a number, it’s a snapshot of their overall health. Regularly assessing BCS helps you and your veterinarian make informed decisions about your pet’s diet, activity, and care to help them lead a comfortable and happy life. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the most loving things you can do for them.


        If you have any questions about your pet’s weight or want help assessing their BCS, book a wellness exam with us today!



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