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No one (except maybe Ebenezer Scrooge) could argue with the magical splendor, festive revelry, and spirited generosity that seem to be everywhere this time of year. While it’s simply wonderful to participate in the endless social events and family gatherings, sometimes you just need a night in. If curling up under a chenille throw with your best furry friend doesn’t sound reasonable enough, perhaps our list of holiday films featuring animals will entice you. Go on, get comfy!

Beyond the Standards

Holiday movies have that charming je ne sais quoi that other films just don’t have. Of course, old standards like Elf, Home Alone, and A Christmas Story have their place among all classics. However, our favorite holiday films featuring animals not only elevate the experience of pet ownership but also highlight the power of the human-animal bond. Continue…

So, now that Halloween has come and gone and the turkey and gravy have been feasted upon, it’s time to break out those boxes in the garage and decorate! It is a common scene after Thanksgiving: the stringing of lights and the decking of halls… But, like other holidays, if you share your home with a cherished pet, you’d better keep a keen eye on your fur buddy around the bedazzling display of holiday décor.

On the Tree

The ideal way to protect your pet from the perils of the Christmas tree is to simply keep your four-legged friend away from the tree unless you or a family member are present. If that’s impossible, keep lower branches somewhat bare or opt for unbreakable, large ornaments at your pet’s level.

No one likes to deal with a downed tree after a rowdy game of chase (we suggest anchoring it), or a favorite ornament lying broken on the floor (a tempting toy for your feline), there are a few decorations that can create real emergencies for our pets. Continue…

Can you spot the Xylitol in this photo?
…Neither can your pet.

What do the fruitcake you made for your diabetic great-aunt Betty, the pack of gum in your stocking, and the plate of holiday cookies that your neighbor dropped off have in common? All of them may contain the artificial sweetener Xylitol, a dangerous and deadly substance for dogs. Xylitol is becoming more and more commonly utilized, which makes it important for pet owners to be on the defense.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is found in items such as sugar-free gum, baked goods, and oral hygiene products. In people it is absorbed very slowly so there are no ill effects. In dogs, however, the substance is absorbed within 30 minutes, causing the body to release a large rush of insulin. This results in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar. Besides this, Xylitol can also have severe effects on the liver. Continue…

Oakland Veterinary Referral Service wishes you and your furry family a very happy, and above all safe, holiday season this year!  Don’t forget the following during your festivities this year:

• Dangerous objects

Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and wrapped gifts can all be dangerous items that your pet is not used to having around.  Keep decorations and candles out of the reach of playful paws and wagging tails.  Decorative ribbons, string, and tinsel should also be kept away from pets.  Electrical cords can pose a danger as pets may chew on them or become tangled in them.  Before bringing any plants into your home, be sure to check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants to avoid problems.

• Hazardous treats

Food and goodies of all kinds abound this time of year!  Beware of treats containing chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, and the artificial sweetener xylitol.  Table scraps, particularly those that are fatty or rich, can cause stomach upset ranging from mild vomiting or diarrhea to severe pancreatitis.  Don’t forget about alcohol, either.  That punch or eggnog might be irresistible to your pet, but can cause serious problems upon ingestion.

• Scary situations

Pets don’t always take to the holidays like humans do.  A houseful of noisy strangers can be a disturbing event for shyer animals.  Make sure that they have a quiet, safe place to “hide” away from the hub-bub.  It is also a good idea to make sure that all pets are wearing identification and/or are micro-chipped with your current contact information in case they slip out the door with Uncle Bob.

Holidays and family gatherings tend to make you want to share the bounty with your pet but leftover turkey bones and other scrap bones can pose a risk for pets. Here are a few reasons that may not be the best idea:

Physical injury

Sharp fragments can cause injury to the mouth and/or tongue that require a visit to the veterinarian. It is also not uncommon for pets to get a bone looped around the lower jaw, which is frightening and can require sedation to remove.

Broken teeth

Bones are hard! Broken teeth are a serious problem and can require expensive dental procedures to correct or remove.

Obstruction

There are oh-so-many places bones or bone fragments can become lodged on the way down including the esophagus, windpipe, stomach, or intestines. Even pieces of bone that are not stuck can lead to constipation due to their hard, sharp nature.

Perforation

Pieces of bone can perforate through the digestive tract, leading to leakage of the contents into the body cavities. This can lead to a serious condition called peritonitis. Peritonitis can lead to severe illness and even death.

Food poisoning

Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to threats like E.coli and Salmonella as people. Particularly if your pet helps itself to a treat out of the trash, these organisms can cause problems.

Be safe and happy

Before offering a bone to your pet this holiday season, think about the potential consequences. Also be sure to dispose of your table scraps in a manner not accessible to your animals. Enjoy a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Spring is in the air. As the ground begins to thaw and your thoughts turn to Easter preparation, don’t forget to include your pets in the fun. Animals enjoy a nice Easter basket as much as people do. Here are some festive ideas that you can use to create the perfect cat and dog Easter baskets.

The holidays and sweet treats tend to go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, we can’t just give our pups any sweet treats. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy and safe treat options for dogs. This year, help your favorite canine feel a part of the fun with some local dog-friendly bakeries. With these treats, it will be easier than ever to include your dog in your holiday fun and to find some new local favorite destinations.

Pets bring joy to our lives all year long, so why should the holiday season be any different? If you are trying to think of the perfect gift for the pet lovers in your life, OVRS has some tips for you. Our list of (more) gifts for pet lovers will have you finishing up your shopping list before you know it:

Christmas will be here before you know it, so now is the time to figure out your gift list. Including your pets in your gift-giving efforts helps you show them how much you appreciate them. If you are struggling to come up with the perfect gift for your furry friend, this guide can help you find pet-approved Christmas gifts for dogs and cats that will be a huge hit in your house:

Food is the star of the show on Thanksgiving for us and our dogs. While there are quite a few holiday treats that are unsafe for dogs to eat, there are plenty of tasty treats they can enjoy. As you start planning your Thanksgiving meal, don’t forget to include a few foods your dogs can eat. Need some inspiration? Your friends at OVRS are here with a list of what your dog can eat on Thanksgiving: