New Year ER Pet Safety: Toxins and Trauma

Why New Year celebrations are risky for pets

New Year’s celebrations around Braselton are full of music, guests, food, and late-night fun. For dogs and cats, that same excitement can quickly turn into a trip to the emergency room. At Braselton ER Veterinary, we routinely see holiday-related emergencies from toxin ingestion, anxiety, and accidental injuries in the final days of December and first week of January.

Many pets are stressed by changes in routine, visitors, and loud noises. That stress may drive them to bolt through doors, chew inappropriate objects, or raid counters and trash cans. Alcohol, cannabis products, fatty leftovers, and skewers or toothpicks are just a few of the common offenders that can seriously harm your pet.

Common New Year toxins and injuries

Alcohol, cannabis, and party foods

Even small amounts of alcoholic beverages can cause vomiting, unsteadiness, low blood sugar, and even coma in pets. Edible cannabis products and vape oils are particularly dangerous because they are highly concentrated and often combined with chocolate or xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs.

Rich, fatty party foods like wings, cheese dips, and leftover roast can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Skewers, bones, and toothpicks can pierce or obstruct the gastrointestinal tract, requiring urgent surgery.

Noise, crowds, and trauma

Loud music, fireworks, and cheering can terrify noise-sensitive dogs and cats. Frightened pets may jump fences, break through windows or doors, or slip out as guests come and go. This can lead to bite wounds, vehicle trauma, or getting lost far from home. Anxiety can also cause destructive behavior, self-injury, and stress-related medical issues.

When to visit Braselton ER Veterinary

Seek emergency care immediately if your pet has ingested a known toxin; is vomiting repeatedly; seems disoriented or difficult to rouse; has pale gums; is struggling to breathe; or has been hit by a car, fallen from a height, or been involved in a fight. Trust your instincts—if your pet “just isn’t right” and it’s after hours, our emergency team is here to help.

Before the party starts, secure trash cans, keep alcoholic and cannabis products locked away, and create a quiet, safe room where your pet can relax. Ensure their microchip and ID tags are up to date in case they slip out. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your celebration joyful and out of the ER.

References

• ASPCA – Pet Care and Poison Control
• American Veterinary Medical Association – Pet Health
• PetMD – Holiday Pet Safety and Toxins