Do not give pets for holiday presents. Get a pet one month before or one month after the holidays.
If you get a puppy as a present, allow him to rest or he may ‘run out of gas’ and end up with low blood sugar.
Do not allow your pets to eat holiday treats like chocolate or cookies.
Bones from beef or turkey can get stuck in the gut of hungry dogs and may need to be surgically removed.
If you are traveling with your pets on airlines, be sure to have the required paperwork, including health certificates, needed to board the plane.
If you are taking pets to visit family for the holidays, pack all needed medications and food.
Dogs and cats love presents as much as we do. Buy safe gifts and stay away from hard chew toys like antlers, beef bones, and anything hard enough to break their teeth.
Remember that foods with xylose as a sugar substitute can be toxic, as well as raisins, grapes, and decorative plants.
Exotic pets, like lizards, have special needs. Be sure you have studied all of the equipment needed to be successful with your new iguana or bearded dragon. Full-spectrum light is essential for these pets. Special food additives are critical. Call your veterinarian for advice before buying these animals.
Many birds are not seed-eaters. Investigate what type of cage and what foods are best prior to buying.
Make sure you have a phone number for a veterinarian handy in case problems arise in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Finally, enjoy your pets because they are a very important part of your family!
David J. Smith, VMD
Bay Road Animal Hospitals
Veterinary Technicians
Missy
H
Head CVT
Missy first started at Bay Road Animal Hospital in 2003. She took the last few years off to pursue an interest in a specialty practice but rejoined the Bay Road team in early 2022. Missy received her AS Degree in veterinary technology from Penn Foster in 2013. With her many years of experience and advanced skill set she effortlessly moved up into our Head CVT position in August. When Missy is not working, she loves spending her time training her horses, participating in rodeos and spending time with her family.
Daniella joined the Bay Road team in 2018. She started as a veterinary assistant, then moved into a scribe position and is now a veterinary technician assistant. She is currently enrolled in school and working towards being a certified veterinary technician. She loves to provide the customers and patients with the best care and support she can.
Gabby joined the Bay Road team in early 2022 as a veterinary assistant. She recently enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program at Penn Foster and is now working more as a technician assistant to help further her education. Gabby lives on a small farm east of Sarasota and has a variety of pets ranging from dogs, cats and guinea pigs to sheep and goats to even a gecko named Chip. When Gabby is not working or completing schoolwork, she loves spending time with her family and friends.