The holidays have everyone munching, but what if your pet gets into something you're not sure about?
Many holiday treats are famously toxic for pets—chocolate, raisins or xylitol (a common sugar substitute) for example—but many other seasonal food and decor favorites are less clear. If your pet eats something out of the ordinary, what do you do?
Experts at Nationwide VetHelpline®, powered by FirstVet, are here to help answer questions. VetHelpline telehealth calls are included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy for advice from veterinary professionals at home or on the go.
This tasty treat is flavorful enough for year-round enjoyment. However, it’s most often used as construction material for tiny, decorative houses—which sometimes get snacked on by curious pets. A small piece of gingerbread isn’t likely to cause a major health issue, but it does contain nutmeg, which is hazardous in large amounts.
One of the most expensive seasonings in the culinary world, saffron adds a warm color and subtle flavor to buns, cookies, cakes and truffles.
Saffron is a spice that’s derived from a crocus flower, which can be highly toxic for pets if ingested in large amounts. While small amounts are generally okay for pets, other ingredients like uncooked yeast or raisins can make the confections downright dangerous.
Our least delicious entry, tree needles are a sometimes-messy addition to the holiday season. Needles from spruce and fir Christmas trees shed and fall to the floor, where they can be eaten by pets. Pine needles used in wreathes and decor are also susceptible to ingestion. Are they toxic? Not necessarily, but tree needles can cause stomach upset and gastrointestinal obstructions that can be serious. Needles from artificial Christmas trees can be dangerous for the same reason.
If you're worried about something your pet ate, you should always contact a veterinarian. With Nationwide VetHelpline, you can get answers to your questions 24/7 from a licensed veterinary professional for an initial assessment, treatment and referral to a local veterinary clinic if necessary.
Download the VetHelpline app today, so you're ready in the event of the unexpected.
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 petTake 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 petTake 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 petTake 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 petTake 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 petTake 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 petTake 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 petTake 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
