Mother’s Day Mishaps: Common Pet Emergencies During Family Gatherings | VetCheck Pet Urgent Care
Mother’s Day brings families together with food, flowers, and festivities, making it one of the most heartwarming days of the year. But as people gather to celebrate, our pets may face hidden dangers in the hustle and bustle. At VetCheck Pet Urgent Care, we often see a spike in pet emergencies around holidays like Mother’s Day, as unfamiliar foods, visitors, and increased activity can lead to accidental exposures and injuries.
One of the most common issues during Mother’s Day gatherings is food toxicity. Many holiday meals include rich dishes, sweets, and treats that are dangerous for dogs and cats. Chocolate, a popular ingredient in cakes and desserts, is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies and baked goods, can be deadly for dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar and potential liver failure. Fatty foods like ham or buttery side dishes may also cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that leads to pain, vomiting, and lethargy.
Leftovers and trash are another source of trouble. Pets are notorious for sniffing around in garbage bins, especially when guests may not be familiar with your pet-proofing rules. Bones, corn cobs, skewers, and plastic wrap can cause choking or dangerous obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract. These require immediate medical attention and often surgery to remove.
Florals are another hidden danger. While flowers are a lovely way to show appreciation on Mother’s Day, some popular blooms are toxic to pets. Lilies, in particular, are extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure even in small amounts. Other harmful flowers include tulips, azaleas, and daffodils. If your pet ingests any part of these plants, immediate veterinary care is critical.
Increased foot traffic from guests can also overwhelm or stress out pets, especially those not used to large groups or unfamiliar people. Stress can manifest as behavioral changes like hiding, aggression, or accidents in the house. In some cases, pets may dart out of open doors during busy comings and goings. Escaped pets risk injury from traffic, getting lost, or encounters with other animals. Making sure pets have a quiet, secure space away from the crowd can help reduce anxiety and prevent escapes.
Children and pets are a delightful duo, but sometimes well-meaning play can go wrong. Rough handling, dropped food, or unintentional teasing can lead to bites or scratches. Similarly, some pets may become possessive over their food or space when overwhelmed by multiple people. Always supervise interactions between young children and pets to prevent accidental injuries for either party.
The good news is that many of these emergencies are preventable with a little foresight. Keep human food and trash out of reach, ensure guests know not to feed your pets, and make sure toxic plants are kept away from curious noses. Provide pets with a safe retreat and try to maintain their regular feeding and potty schedules to minimize stress.
Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. That’s where VetCheck Pet Urgent Care comes in. Our experienced team is ready to handle a wide range of pet emergencies—whether your dog got into the dessert tray or your cat chewed on a lily. We're open after-hours, weekends, and holidays, providing expert care when your pet needs it most.
If your pet experiences an emergency this Mother’s Day, don’t wait. Visit your nearest VetCheck Pet Urgent Care location or call ahead to let us know you're on the way. We’re here to help when your pet needs urgent care—because they’re part of the family, too.
