What's for Dinner?

Beware of Hidden Dangers for Pets During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and many December festivities just around the corner, many of us pet owners are gearing up for celebrations. While this time is filled with joy and family gatherings, it also poses heightened risks for our furry companions. 

• Halloween brings an abundance of candies and chocolates that can easily be within a pet's reach. Chocolate, and particularly dark chocolate, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even seizures.  You’ll want to be extra vigilant on walks the morning after Halloween as many candy remnants tend to line the sidewalks and streets of neighborhoods from Trick-or-Treaters the night before.

• Thanksgiving presents various dangerous foods that can pose serious health risks to pets. Items like grapes, raisins, onions, and chocolate can all be harmful, as well as cooked turkey bones. Additionally, with family visiting for the holidays, pets are at a higher risk of accidentally ingesting supplements and medications. Be sure your houseguests always keep medications secured out of reach.  Dogs and cats are known for rummaging through luggage, trash, and snagging food off the table when no one is looking, which can lead to the ingestion of these hazardous items.

• Christmas brings its own set of hazards, including toxic holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe, as well as an abundance of chocolate goodies and guests who may have medications. These can pose serious risks to our pets. Additionally, many holiday treats contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to animals.

Whether it’s chocolate from Halloween, cooked turkey bones from Thanksgiving, or homemade gingerbread ornaments on the Christmas tree, hazards and toxins are unfortunately part of the holiday season. Yet, there are some things you and your houseguests can do to prevent a toxic incident.

Even with the best safety measures in place, we all know accidents can still happen.  To minimize the risk of serious injury or worse for your pet, we suggest keeping an emergency intervention solution in your pet pantry, especially during the holidays when access to veterinary care can be harder to find.

When a pet ingests a toxin, the first hour is crucial, as this is when most of the absorption occurs. Since it typically takes 1-2 hours for an animal to receive veterinary care, having an emergency intervention tool like ReadyRESCUE can mean the difference between life and death for your pet.

The Critical First Hour

The key to minimizing harm when a pet ingests a toxin is taking immediate action. ReadyRESCUE was specifically designed for those crucial first moments, helping to reduce toxin absorption and potentially saving your pet's life.

When a pet consumes something toxic, every minute is vital. In the first hour, the absorption of the toxin into their system speeds up, raising the risk of serious harm. The reality is that most pets aren’t seen by a veterinarian until 1-2 hours after the incident. This delay is often due to the time it takes for pet owners to recognize the issue, contact the vet, and travel to the clinic.

Having ReadyRESCUE at home can be a game changer. Created by veterinary specialists, ReadyRESCUE enables you to take immediate action, potentially decreasing toxin absorption and giving you critical time until professional assistance is available.  And in those moments where you find remnants of pet mischief but you are not sure if toxins were ingested, it’s safe to give then, too.  Just like the old adage goes - better safe than sorry.

An Emergency Solution at Your Fingertips

Think of ReadyRESCUE as the pet version of a fire extinguisher. Just as we keep a fire extinguisher on hand for emergencies, having ReadyRESCUE ensures you're prepared for a pet poisoning situation. Similarly, just as Narcan is kept for opioid overdoses, ReadyRESCUE should be an essential item in every pet owner's first-aid kit at home to tackle accidental intoxications.

ReadyRESCUE is backed by veterinary expertise and is currently undergoing validation at the University of Georgia's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, with study results expected to be released in the next six months. This assurance from veterinary specialists highlights its reliability and effectiveness in emergencies.

Why ReadyRESCUE is a Must-Have

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, accidents can happen in an instant. This time of year is meant for enjoyment, not panic or trips to the emergency vet. By having ReadyRESCUE at home, you can act quickly if your pet ingests something harmful, minimizing and improving the chances of a full recovery.

This holiday season, give yourself peace of mind by being prepared and proactive. Consider ReadyRESCUE your pet’s emergency kit for the most common and dangerous household hazards. When every second matters, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.