Winter in the HRM can be a beautiful and magical time of year, but between the joyful festivities and snowy adventures, there are hidden dangers for your companion that can put a damper on your holidays. Thankfully, Maritime Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Centre is open 24/7 including holidays, to help care for your companion when they need it the most.

Here are some of the biggest hazards to watch out for this time of year:

Cold Weather Risks

• Frostbite & Hypothermia: Despite our companions' furry appearance, dogs (and cats) are susceptible to frostbite & hypothermia just like humans are. The most affected areas are their tail, paws and ears.

  • Tip: Limit outdoor times during extreme cold weather and use pet-safe jackets and boots

• Antifreeze: Even in small amounts, this sweet-tasting substance is highly poisonous to our four-legged friends. Some common culprits can be leaks from cars or garage floors

  • Tip: Store anti-freeze in a secure place and clean up any spills immediately

• Salt & Ice Melt: These products can cause irritation on the paws and GI issues if ingested

  • Tip: Always wipe your companion’s paws after a walk and consider the use of pet-safe boots

• Frozen lakes & ponds: Companions love to explore and can fall through thin ice unexpectedly

  • Tip: Keep your pets leashed on walks near lakes, ponds or on the waterfront

Holiday Decor & Household Hazards

• Tinsel, Ribbon & String: These decorations while beautiful can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed

• Ornaments & Hooks:Glass ornaments can shatter and those shards could cause harm to your companion’s paws. These shards and hooks are sharp and can be ingested by your companions and could cause many issues including blockages and perforations.

• Electrical Cords: our companions can chew through the wires causing electric shock or burns

  • Tip: Consider skipping the tinsel and opt for alternatives. Use non-breakable ornaments and place them high up on the tree. Secure all cords and turn off lights when not in use.

Food, Treats, and Plant Toxins

• Chocolate: The darker it is, the more toxic.

• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free candy, gum, and baked goods; can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure in dogs.

• Fatty Foods and Bones: Turkey skin, gravy, and cooked bones can trigger pancreatitis or GI obstruction.

• Grapes & Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.

• Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous.

  • Tip: Keep all holiday foods off the counters or low standing tables. Ask guests not to feed table scraps. Opt for pet friendly holiday treats instead. Keep all alcohol out of reach of your companions

• Poinsettias: Cause mouth and stomach irritation.

• Mistletoe & Holly: Can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or heart problems depending on type.

• Lillies: Extremely toxic to cats — even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure.

• Christmas Trees (pine, fir, spruce): Needles can irritate or puncture the digestive tract.

  • Tip: Consider artificial or pet-safe alternatives. Wipe up any dropped needles and leaves and if you choose to have holiday plants in the house, keep them well out of reach from your furry loved ones.

Wildlife and Outdoor Hazards

• Coyotes: More active in winter; small dogs and outdoor cats are vulnerable.

• Porcupines: Still active during coastal winters — quill injuries are frequent ER visits.

• Beach Hazards: Dogs may eat decaying seaweed or fish remnants, leading to salt toxicity or GI upset.

  • Tip: Keep your pets leashed during dawn and dusk walks. Supervise pets outdoors

• Rodenticides: Commonly used in winter; pets can be poisoned directly or by eating poisoned rodents.

  • Tip: Consider choosing an alternative, pet-safe option

A trip to the ER is unexpected and never fun, but rest assured, we are here to help if your companion needs us. Don’t know if it is an emergency? Call us at 902-938-0838 before coming in and our team will guide you on the next steps.

Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

*Please note that our ER department operates on a triage-based system and will prioritize patients with the most severe cases. Wait times may vary.