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Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Bellingham highlights common seasonal risks including toxic holiday foods, festive plants and decorations, cold-weather chemicals, and stress caused by routine disruptions.

BELLINGHAM, WA - As homes across Northwest Washington fill with holiday decorations, family gatherings, and winter festivities, veterinary specialists at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital Bellingham (BBVSH) are reminding pet owners that the season also brings an increase in preventable pet emergencies.

From toxic foods and seasonal plants to cold weather hazards and routine disruptions, December and January are among the busiest months for not only families but also emergency veterinary care.

BBVSH reports that many holiday-related pet emergencies stem from common household items that become more accessible during celebrations. Certain popular holiday meal foods, baked goods, festive plants, decorations, and winter chemicals can pose risks to dogs and cats, some fatal.

Popular Festive Foods to Keep Away From Pets

Holiday inner tables, platters and treats often include ingredients that are toxic to pets, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and xylitol, the sugar substitute found in candy and gum. Even small amounts of these items can lead to serious medical issues requiring emergency veterinary treatment.

Veterinary specialists also caution that gift or food packaging, wrappers, and other discarded containers can be just as dangerous if pets gain access to them.

Decorations and Seasonal Plants Pose Hidden Dangers

Popular holiday plants such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, lilies, and amaryllis can cause illness ranging from gastrointestinal upset to more severe poisoning. Decorations and accessories, including tinsel, ribbons, string lights, ornaments, batteries and Christmas tree needles (real or artificial) are common sources of emergency veterinary visits during the winter months.

Artificial snow sprays, scented products, and essential oil-based decorations also pose a risk of toxicity as well as irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tracts, leading to veterinary care.

Cold Weather Introduces Additional Health Risks

Winter weather alone brings its own challenges for pet health. Antifreeze and de-icing chemicals remain a frequent cause of poisoning due to their sweet taste and high toxicity. Rock salt and chemical de-icers can also irritate paws or cause illness when licked off after walks.

Cold temperatures may also worsen arthritis, mobility issues, or underlying medical conditions, particularly in senior pets or those already receiving animal rehabilitation or internal medicine care.

Holiday Stress and Routine Disruptions Affect Pet Well-being

Beyond physical hazards, the holidays can be emotionally taxing for pets. Increased visitors, loud music, fireworks, and changes to feeding or walking schedules may lead to anxiety, escape attempts, or stress-related behaviors. Travel and unfamiliar environments can further compound these issues.

BBVSH encourages pet owners to maintain routines where possible and provide quiet, familiar spaces for pets during gatherings.

Planning Ahead Can Make a Critical Difference

Veterinary professionals emphasize that preparation is key during the holiday season. Keeping emergency contact information readily available, knowing the fastest route to an emergency veterinary hospital, and having supplies prepared in advance can save valuable time when urgent veterinary care is needed.

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, in collaboration with Animal Emergency Care, provides 24-hour emergency veterinary services in Bellingham, supporting pet owners throughout Whatcom, San Juan, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and King counties. The hospital also offers specialty veterinary care in surgery, oncology, cardiology, internal medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging, and animal rehabilitation, working alongside primary care veterinarians to support pets requiring urgent or advanced treatment.

As the season unfolds, veterinary professionals encourage families to enjoy holiday traditions while keeping potential pet hazards in mind. With awareness and preparation,many seasonal emergencies can be avoided.

About Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Located in Bellingham, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital serves pet owners across Whatcom, San Juan, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and King counties. This regional accessibility allows families to receive advanced specialty and emergency veterinary care without long-distance travel.

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital’s mission is to provide multidisciplinary specialty and emergency services rooted in collaboration, transparency, and compassion. The hospital’s team of veterinarians and support staff work together to support pets, their families, and the primary care veterinary community through every stage of care.

To learn more, visit bellingham.bbvsh.com or call 360-758-2200.

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is located at 4176 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA, 98226

Media Contact
Company Name: Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital
Contact Person: Karen Gilchrist
Email: Send Email
Phone: 360-758-2200
Address:4176 Meridian St
City: Bellingham
State: WA
Country: United States
Website: https://bellingham.bbvsh.com/

 

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