The holidays are a time for celebration, gatherings, and traditions — but for pets, they can also be one of the most dangerous times of the year. At Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (OPVES), we have observed a significant increase in foreign body ingestions and toxicity-related emergencies during the holiday season.

Knowing the risks and acting quickly when something goes wrong can make all the difference.

Common Holiday Foreign Body Risks

Foreign body ingestion occurs when a pet swallows something they shouldn’t, often requiring emergency care or surgery. During the holidays, tempting (and dangerous) items are everywhere.

High-risk holiday items include:

• Cooked bones (especially turkey and ham bones)

• Corn cobs

• Foil, plastic wrap, or food packaging

• String, ribbon, tinsel, and ornament hooks

• Toys with removable or squeaky parts

• Socks, dish towels, and napkins

Signs your pet may have swallowed a foreign object:

• Vomiting or gagging

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Lethargy

• Straining or inability to pass stool

Some foreign bodies may pass on their own — but many require advanced imaging, endoscopy, or emergency surgery. Waiting too long can lead to intestinal perforation, infection, or life-threatening complications.

Holiday Toxicity Dangers for Pets

Many holiday foods, decorations, and household items are toxic to pets — even in small amounts.

Common holiday toxins include:

• Chocolate

• Grapes and raisins

• Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives

• Xylitol (often found in baked goods, gum, and sugar-free items)

• Alcohol

• Fatty foods and drippings

• Certain plants (poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies)

• Medications, supplements, and recreational substances

Signs of toxicity can include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Drooling

• Tremors or seizures

• Lethargy or collapse

• Difficulty breathing

• Changes in behavior or coordination

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, do not wait. Early treatment can be lifesaving.

📞 You can also contact Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, where a veterinary toxicologist can assist while your pet is en route to emergency care.

What To Do If Your Pet Has an Emergency

1. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional

2. Call ahead to let us know you’re coming if possible

3. Bring your pet immediately to OPVES for evaluation

Our team is prepared to act quickly with advanced diagnostics and specialty support available around the clock.

24/7 Emergency & Specialty Care at OPVES

At Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, your pet has access to comprehensive, collaborative care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including:

🏥 Emergency & Critical Care

Our ER veterinarians and critical care team are on-site 24/7 to stabilize pets experiencing vomiting, toxicity, obstruction, trauma, or collapse.

🫀 24/7 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Support

Pets requiring close monitoring, oxygen therapy, IV medications, transfusions, or advanced nursing care are supported in our fully staffed ICU.

🔪 Surgery (On-Call 24/7)

Our board-certified surgeons are available at all hours for emergency foreign body surgeries, exploratory procedures, and life-saving interventions.

💉 Anesthesia & Pain Management (On-Call 24/7)

Our anesthesia team ensures the safest possible care for high-risk or critically ill patients undergoing emergency procedures.

🔬 Internal Medicine (On-Call 24/7)

When complex medical cases arise — including severe toxicities or gastrointestinal disease, our internal medicine specialists collaborate with ER and ICU teams to guide treatment.

This team-based approach allows us to provide seamless, advanced care from the moment your pet arrives, no matter the time of day or night.

Prevention Tips for a Safer Holiday Season

• Keep food, trash, and leftovers secured

• Avoid feeding pets table scraps or bones

• Decorate with pet safety in mind (skip string and tinsel)

• Store medications and toxic foods out of reach

• Supervise pets during gatherings and gift-opening

• Ask guests not to share food with pets

We’re Here When You Need Us Most

Emergencies don’t take holidays, and neither do we.

If your pet experiences vomiting, ingestion of a foreign object, or possible toxin exposure, Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty is here 24/7 with emergency, ICU, surgery, anesthesia, and internal medicine support ready when minutes matter.

📍 Open 24/7, nights, weekends, and holidays

📞 Call ahead or come straight in if your pet needs urgent care

Your emergency partners this holiday season, so your pet can safely get back to the ones they love. 💙🐾