The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, it can also present unique challenges for our furry companions. From festive decorations to holiday treats, the season is filled with potential hazards for pets. Here’s a guide to help keep them safe and stress-free during the holidays.

Common Holiday Hazards for Pets
1.    Toxic Foods
Many holiday favorites can be harmful to pets, including:
    •    Chocolate
    •    Grapes and raisins
    •    Onions
    •    Alcohol
Keep these items out of reach, and ensure guests know not to share treats with your pets.
  
2.    Decorations
    •    Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments can pose choking or ingestion risks.
    •    Electrical cords for lights may be tempting for pets to chew.
Secure decorations and keep fragile items out of paw’s reach.

3.    Stress and Overstimulation
    •    The noise, visitors, and activity of the season can be overwhelming.
    •    Create a calm, quiet space where your pet can retreat if needed.

4.    Small Objects
    •    Tiny decorations, wrapping materials, and dropped items can become choking hazards.
Regularly check the floors and areas where your pet roams to prevent mishaps.


Steps to Take If Your Pet Needs Help
If your pet encounters a holiday mishap—whether it’s ingesting something harmful or showing signs of stress—knowing how to act quickly is essential.

In Case of Ingestion:
    •    Contact a veterinary professional immediately.
    •    Note what your pet has consumed and the approximate amount to share with the veterinarian.

If Your Pet is Injured or Stressed:
    •    Provide a calm, comforting environment.
    •    Seek urgent veterinary care for injuries or severe distress.


Support and Care When You Need It
At VSP, we’re here to assist with:
    •    Emergency Care: Fast, compassionate care for urgent situations.
    •    Preventative Tips: Guidance on creating a pet-safe environment during the holidays.
    •    Aftercare: Clear instructions for recovery following any incidents.

Enjoy the Holidays with Peace of Mind
The holidays should be a time for joy and relaxation for you and your pets. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or a quiet night in, VSP is here to help you navigate any “holly jolly hiccups” that may come your way. Our goal is to ensure your pets stay safe, healthy, and happy, even if they find themselves in a “tinsel tangle” or a “holiday hullabaloo”.

From emergency services to specialty care advice, we’re here to ensure your furry family members have a joyful season—no matter what happens!

Call (502) 901-7990 or CLICK HERE for help today.

When your pet is diagnosed with uroliths (urinary stones), it’s natural to feel concerned about the treatment options. Traditional surgery may seem daunting, but thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, minimally invasive techniques are now providing safer, less stressful alternatives.

Minimally invasive urinary stone treatments, such as Percutaneous Cystolithotomy (PCCL) or laser lithotripsy, are designed to remove or break down stones with small incisions or even no incisions at all. These techniques not only reduce the risk of complications but also shorten recovery times, allowing your furry friend to get back to their playful self sooner.

The benefits of minimally invasive treatments include less pain, a quicker return to normal activities, and minimal scarring. Plus, the reduced stress on your pet makes the process more comfortable and less traumatic for both of you.

At VSP, we offer these minimally invasive treatment options right here at our hospital. Don’t just take our word for it—our patients’ success stories speak for themselves.

Alvin, a dog who had been struggling with painful bladder stones, underwent a PCCL procedure. This minimally invasive technique allowed the stones to be removed safely with minimal discomfort. Alvin’s recovery was quick, and he was soon back to his usual playful self, living without the pain of bladder stones.

Birdie, another dog with bladder stones, had additional complications that made treatment more challenging. Despite these issues, Birdie successfully underwent the PCCL procedure. With the stones removed and complications addressed, Birdie had a smooth recovery and was soon back to her active, happy lifestyle.

If your pet is suffering from urinary stones, talk to us about how these innovative treatments could be the right choice for their health and recovery. Click here to schedule a consultation with our specialty services. VSP is here to help every step of the way!