Mayfair in Tampa Palms

Pet Safety Tips for Holiday Season

Nov 16, 2006

Author: Jennifer Vickery, Fetching Communications


Holidays usually mean cooler weather and shorter days, translating to more indoor activities, family gatherings, gift wrapping and more ?– some of these activities can pose a threat to our animal companions.

There?’s no 9-1-1 for pet emergencies. Would you know what to do if you pet suddenly became injured or ill?

Home Accidents
The vast majority of accidents for people or pets happen at home. Pet poisoning is among the most common of home health hazards. The American Poison Control Center (APCC) provides an emergency hotline services 24 hours a day, 375 days a year. Their number is (888) 426-4435.

It might surprise you to learn how many substances found in and around your home can be dangerous to pets. Trash, foods, medications, soaps, detergents and cleansers should all be kept secure and out of a pet?’s reach. Outdoors, be sure to put antifreeze, gasoline, insecticides and herbicides safely hidden away.

If your pet does ingest a toxic household substance, do not induce vomiting unless recommended by a veterinarian. Grab your pet and the package they got into and get to the vet?’s office as soon as possible.

After Hours Emergency
Once you stabilize a sick or injured pet, getting them to a veterinarian is imperative. When accidents happen Monday through Friday during regular business hours, we can race to our family vet for care. But when emergencies happen at night or on weekends you will have to transport your pet to the nearest facility offering emergency services.

First, locate this facility. You can contact your family veterinarian to ask where he or she refers after-hours emergency cases. Make note of the number and address and post it where any family member can locate it quickly. It?’s a smart idea to know exactly where this emergency vet hospital is located. If you aren?’t sure, take a few minutes to drive there from home so that you know how long this trip would take in an emergency. When trying to save the life of a beloved pet, the last thing a pet owner should deal with is getting lost.

Below is a partial list of veterinary emergency clinics in the Bay area.
o Hillsborough County
?§ Animal Medical Diagnostic Center, Valrico; (813) 654-6222
?§ Brandon Veterinary Specialists, Brandon; (813) 571-3303
?§ Florida Veterinary Specialists, Tampa; (813) 933-8944
o Hernando County
?§ Animal Emergency of Hernando, Spring Hill; (813) 666-0904
o Pinellas County
?§ Animal Emergency Clinic of St. Petersburg; (727) 323-1311
?§ Animal Emergency of Countryside; (727) 786-5755
?§ Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Services, Largo; (727) 531-5752
o Pasco County
?§ Animal Emergency of Pasco, Port Richey; (727) 841-6575

Pet First Aid Kit Items
The following first aid kit items are recommended by Lake Seminole Animal Hospital. Complete first aid kits are available for purchase at many pet supply retailers.


?· Ace bandage or Vet-Wrap
?· Medical tape
?· Non-stick cotton pads
?· Scissors
?· Cotton or bandage padding
?· Disinfecting solution
?· Benadryl
?· Antibiotic cream
?· Hydrocortisone cream
?· Pepto Bismol (for dogs)
?· Hemostatic Powder
?· Towels for splints or to wrap around animal
?· Muzzle or narrow strip of cloth to serve as muzzle
?· Veterinarian?’s phone number and emergency number
If traveling, add:
?· Pet?’s medications
?· Health records

*Note: never give a pet human medication unless directed by veterinarian.