--- title: Holiday frights description: Our VetHelpline® experts are here to answer the tough questions. image: https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Article-VHL%20Header.jpg --- [![Nationwide Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image%201@2x.png)](https://companionpetmagazine.com/) ![The Companion Magazine Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/commpasslogo.jpg) - [The Companion Magazine](https://companionpetmagazine.com) - [Previous Issues](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/previous) - Topics - [Member stories](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/member-stories) - [Research data](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/research-data) - [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/pet-care) - [Extra treats](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/extra-treats) - [Promotions](https://companionpetmagazine.com/promotions) - [Member Perks](https://companionpetmagazine.com/member-perks) [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/pet-care) # Holiday frights ![Picture of By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/NWLogos_Vert_NW_3C.svg) [By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/author/about-us) - - - The holidays are a time of joyous celebration with friends and family, but with the tasty banquets and twinkling lights come a number of hazards for pets. Fortunately, our VetHelpline® experts are here to answer the tough questions. All Nationwide pet insurance members have unlimited 24/7 access to VetHelpline experts. Don’t have a Nationwide pet insurance policy? Monthly VetHelpline [subscriptions are available](http://www.petinsurance.com/vethelplineapp) starting as low as $9.17/month. ##### Member concern: **Basting blues** ##### *![DogWithBone](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DogWithBone.jpg?width=713&name=DogWithBone.jpg)* *About 30 minutes ago, our pooch Amos ate a whole turkey bone that was approximately 4-5 inches in length. So far, he is acting normal, but what should I do?* ##### VetHelpline response: Turkey bones can be very dangerous for dogs. The main concern for this type of ingestion is a foreign body obstruction—a blockage in the stomach or intestines—and the risk of puncture if the bone has sharp edges or splintering. We recommend an immediate veterinary evaluation for medical care, which may include X-rays along with other treatments. We do not recommend that you try to induce vomiting at home. Doing so puts Amos at higher risk of choking and injury to the esophagus if the bone is splintered. In the event that the ingested bone doesn’t present an immediate danger, the veterinarian will likely recommend home monitoring and bulking the diet (i.e. feeding Amos extra food and/or adding lunch to his feeding schedule for a few days). ##### Member concern: **Tangles up in the tree** ##### ![CatLights](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CatLights.jpg?width=713&name=CatLights.jpg) *Our kitty Charlie was home alone for the last 12 hours. He likes laying under the Christmas tree, but tonight when we came home, we discovered that he had got all tangled up in the cords.* *He had a cord wrapped pretty tightly around his neck, and we found blood on his shoulder area. There’s also a red spot on his tongue—we aren’t sure what that is from. We don’t know how long he was tangled, but he’s acting normal now that we freed him. Should we take Charlie to the vet anyway?* ##### VetHelpline response: We’re so sorry this happened to Charlie! Unfortunately, many of the injuries that could come from being tangled up in those cords won’t be immediately apparent. We recommend immediate veterinary care for evaluation to rule out injury from the asphyxiation. We also think he should be checked out for burns and electrocution if he bit into the active cords. Based on exam, additional diagnostics and supportive care may be recommended. ##### Member concern: **Gingerbread rabbits** ##### ![RabbitHoliday](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RabbitHoliday.jpg?width=713&name=RabbitHoliday.jpg) *Our rabbit, Ruby, ingested a gum drop from a gingerbread house kit about 10 minutes ago. She’s showing no symptoms, and we haven’t tried any home therapies yet. What should we do?* ##### VetHelpline response: Ingestion of the gum drop is not a big concern for systemic toxicity, although she could wind up with an upset tummy from it. Make sure that Ruby has access to fresh water and good quality hay. Keep an eye on Ruby for the next 24 hours or so. Watch out for any decrease in appetite or stool production or an increase in teeth grinding. Seek immediate veterinary care if you see any of these signs. | ![8474 WEB\_VHL Ad Graphic for Companion\_1](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/8474%20WEB_VHL%20Ad%20Graphic%20for%20Companion_1.jpg?width=728&height=381&name=8474%20WEB_VHL%20Ad%20Graphic%20for%20Companion_1.jpg)[![8474 WEB\_VHL Ad Graphic for Companion\_2](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/8474%20WEB_VHL%20Ad%20Graphic%20for%20Companion_2.jpg?width=728&height=381&name=8474%20WEB_VHL%20Ad%20Graphic%20for%20Companion_2.jpg)](https://vethelpline.petinsurance.com/?_gl=1*1x27scd*_ga*NTI0MTE5Njc5LjE2MDk4NjU1MTU.*_ga_ZV4H1YD4X2*MTYzODIwNTQwMC4xNTUuMS4xNjM4MjA1NDI2LjA) | | --- | Pets’ names have been changed.VetHelpline is not a substitute for a visit to your primary veterinarian. ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Cat%20Health%20Month%20Article%20-%20Cat%20Vet.jpg) ### VetHelpline Nationwide® pet insurance members have 24/7 telehealth access to connect with veterinary professionals for pet health advice. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy! [Get advice](https://www.petinsurance.com/usevethelpline/) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2021/my.petinsurance.com) [Holiday 2021](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/holiday-2021) ## Check out some of our other posts! ### [2025 pet gift guide: Best picks for the holidays](https://companionpetmagazine.com/2025-pet-gift-guide) Celebrate the season with gifts that combine health, sustainability, and fun for your ... ### [Making a paw-sitive impact at Nationwide Children’s Hospital](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/making-a-paw-sitive-impact-at-nationwide-childrens-hospital) Dogs are our steadfast companions through thick and thin. They’re also good for our ... ### [Letter from the Pet-itor: New Year’s edition](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/letter-from-the-pet-itor) Can you hear the first notes of Auld Lang Syne ringing in your head already? This year ... ### [The rising cost of pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/the-rising-cost-of-pet-care) Research suggests that 77% of Americans are anxious about their financial situation. ... #### Subscribe to the Companion Blog! ![whitelogo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/whitelogo.jpg) - Previous Issues - [Petinsurance.com](https://www.petinsurance.com/) - [Nationwide.com](https://www.nationwide.com/) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%206@2x.png)](https://www.facebook.com/nationwidepet/) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%205@2x.png)](https://twitter.com/nationwidepet) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%204@2x.png)](https://www.youtube.com/NationwidePet) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%203@2x.png)](https://www.instagram.com/nationwidepet/) - [![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image/Image%202@2x.png)](https://www.thepethealthzone.com/) NO INSURANCE PURCHASE OR QUOTE NECESSARY. 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Products underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH; National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH. Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. All are subsidiaries of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, Nationwide is on your side, and vethelpline® are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 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