## A Warm Holiday Greeting from All of Us at VMCC

The holidays are here, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate this magical season with you and your beloved furry family members! As we gather around twinkling trees and share festive meals, we know your pets are right there beside you, making every moment a little more special. Whether your dog is eyeing that holiday ham or your cat is plotting an attack on the Christmas tree ornaments, we're here to help you navigate the season safely and joyfully.

This year has been incredible watching your pets grow, heal, and thrive under our care. From puppy vaccinations to senior wellness exams, we've been honored to be part of your pet's health journey. Now, as we head into the most wonderful time of the year, we want to make sure it stays wonderful for everyone – including your four-legged family members.

## Holiday Safety: Keeping Your Pets Merry and Bright



Let's talk about the elephant in the room – or should we say, the Christmas tree in the living room? The holidays bring so much joy, but they also come with unique challenges for pet parents. Don't worry though; with a little preparation, you can keep everyone safe while still enjoying all your favorite traditions.

### Foods That Should Stay Off the Pet Menu

We know those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist when you're enjoying your holiday feast, but some of our favorite holiday treats can be dangerous for pets. Keep these items well out of paw's reach:

- **Chocolate and cocoa** – The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is
- **Grapes and raisins** – Even small amounts can cause serious kidney problems
- **Ham and turkey bones** – Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage
- **Macadamia nuts** – These can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors
- **Alcohol** – Even tiny amounts can be toxic to pets
- **Garlic and onions** – These can damage red blood cells
- **Sugar-free candies with xylitol** – This artificial sweetener is extremely dangerous for dogs

Instead of sharing your plate, prepare some pet-friendly holiday treats. A small piece of plain, cooked turkey (no bones, skin, or seasoning) makes a perfect holiday treat for most dogs and cats.

### Deck the Halls (Pet-Safely)

Your holiday decorations probably look like the most exciting playground your pets have ever seen. Here's how to pet-proof your festive décor:

**Christmas Trees:** Secure your tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent toppling. Skip the tinsel entirely – it's a choking and intestinal blockage hazard. Place delicate ornaments higher up on the tree, and consider using shatterproof ornaments on the lower branches.

**Lights and Cords:** Keep electrical cords out of reach or cover them with cord protectors. Unplug lights when you're not home, and check cords regularly for chew marks.

**Plants:** Many holiday plants are toxic to pets. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and amaryllis should be kept well away from curious mouths.

## Managing Holiday Stress for Your Furry Friends

Just like us, pets can feel overwhelmed by changes in routine, extra visitors, and all the holiday hustle and bustle. Here's how to help them stay calm and comfortable:

### Maintaining Routine is Key

Try to stick to your pet's regular feeding, walking, and bedtime schedule as much as possible. If you're traveling or have guests staying over, maintain these familiar anchors in their day. Your pets will thank you for the stability.

### Creating a Safe Space

Set up a quiet retreat where your pet can escape when the festivities become too much. This could be their crate with a cozy blanket, a spare bedroom, or even just their favorite corner with their bed and toys. Make sure guests know this space is off-limits.

### Preparing for Guests

If you're hosting holiday parties, prepare your pets beforehand. Consider using baby gates to give them a safe space while still allowing them to see what's happening. Let guests know your pet's rules – some dogs love meeting new people, while others prefer to observe from a distance.

## Holiday Hours and Important Reminders

We want to make sure you have all the information you need to keep your pets healthy throughout the holiday season. Here's what you need to know about our schedule:

### Holiday Hours

**December 24th (Christmas Eve):** We'll be open with modified hours from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM for limited phone coverage
**December 25th (Christmas Day):** Closed – Please seek care at the area Emergency clinics
**December 31st (New Year's Eve):** We'll be open with modified hours from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM for limited phone coverage
**January 1st (New Year's Day):** Closed – Please seek care at the area Emergency clinics

For any urgent concerns during closed hours, please call our main number, and you'll be directed to our emergency care partners.

### Boarding and Holiday Care Reminders

If you're planning to travel during the holidays, now's the time to finalize those arrangements! Our boarding services fill up quickly during peak holiday travel times, and we want to make sure your pets have a comfortable place to stay while you're away.

**Boarding Checklist:**
- Book your reservation ASAP if you haven't already
- Ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date
- Bring their regular food, medications, and comfort items
- Provide detailed care instructions and emergency contact information
- Schedule a pre-boarding wellness exam if it's been more than a year

Don't forget – we also offer pet sitting referrals if you'd prefer your pets stay in the comfort of home. Just give us a call, and we'll connect you with trusted local pet sitters who can keep your furry family members happy and healthy while you're away.

## New Year, New Health Goals for Your Pet

As we look ahead to 2026, it's the perfect time to think about your pet's health goals for the coming year. Has it been a while since their last wellness exam? Are they due for any vaccinations? Is it time to discuss that dental cleaning you've been putting off?

### Wellness Planning Made Easy

Consider scheduling your pet's annual wellness exam early in the new year. We'll work together to create a personalized health plan that fits your pet's needs and your budget. From preventive care to nutrition counseling, we're here to help your pet live their healthiest, happiest life.

## Community Spirit and Local Holiday Cheer

One of the things we love most about the Clayton community is how much everyone cares about animals. This holiday season, we've seen so many heartwarming examples of neighbors helping neighbors – and their pets too.

### Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

If you're looking for ways to spread some holiday cheer to pets in need, here are some local opportunities:
- Donate to local animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Foster a pet during the busy holiday season
- Volunteer at adoption events
- Share social media posts about pets looking for forever homes

### Thank You, Clayton Pet Families

We're constantly amazed by the love and dedication you show your pets. From the middle-of-the-night emergency calls (we don't mind!) to the careful attention you pay to every little change in your pet's behavior, you make our job both meaningful and rewarding.

This year, we've helped welcome new puppies and kittens, supported senior pets through their golden years, and everything in between. We've celebrated recoveries, provided comfort during difficult times, and watched countless pets bring joy to their families every single day.

## Looking Forward to 2026 Together

As we wrap up this holiday newsletter, we want you to know how grateful we are for your trust in our care. Your pets aren't just patients to us – they're family, and we're honored to be part of their health journey.

We're excited about the year ahead and all the ways we can continue supporting you and your furry family members. Whether you need routine care, have questions about your pet's behavior, or just want to show off new photos (which we always love to see!), our doors are always open.

From all of us at the Veterinary Medical Center of Clayton, we wish you and your pets a safe, healthy, and wonderfully happy holiday season. May your days be merry, bright, and filled with wet nose kisses and purring snuggles.

**Questions about holiday pet safety or need to schedule an appointment?** Give us a call or visit our website at [https://veterinarymedicalcenterofclayton.com](https://veterinarymedicalcenterofclayton.com). We're here for you and your pets, today and always.

Happy Holidays, Clayton Pet Families! 🐾❤️