Dear Valued Clients,

As the festive season approaches, we want to take a moment to thank you for trusting us with the care of your beloved pets throughout the year. We’re excited to share some important information to help ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for both you and your furry family members.

Holiday Hours

During the Christmas and New Year period, our clinic will have adjusted hours:

  • Christmas Eve (24th December): Open until 6 PM
  • Christmas Day (25th December): Closed
  • Boxing Day (26th December): Closed
  • New Year’s Eve (31st December): Open until 6 PM
  • New Year’s Day (1st January): Closed

If your pet needs any medication or food refills, please ensure you place your orders early to avoid holiday delays. For any after-hours emergencies, please contact:

  • Animal Emergency Center Stones Corner at (07) 3456 0500
  • Animal Emergency Services Underwood at (07) 3423 1888

Summer and Christmas Pet Safety Tips

With the combination of summer heat and the excitement of the festive season, it’s crucial to keep your pets safe. Here are our top tips:

  1. Hydration is Key: Summer temperatures can soar, so ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water. Consider setting up multiple water stations to keep them cool and hydrated.
  2. Keep Decorations Out of Reach: Tinsel, ornaments, and Christmas lights may be tempting for curious pets. These decorations can pose choking hazards or cause digestive blockages if ingested. Secure them well and monitor your pets around holiday décor.
  3. Avoid Festive Food: Many holiday foods are harmful to pets. Chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, and alcohol can be toxic to dogs and cats. While it may be tempting to share holiday treats, fatty meats like Christmas ham can cause pancreatitis. Be cautious about leaving food unattended and remind guests not to feed your pets from the table.
  4. Safe Spaces for Pets: With extra visitors and activity in the house, some pets may feel stressed. Create a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat if they need a break from the holiday festivities.
  5. Fireworks and Loud Noises: New Year’s Eve celebrations can be overwhelming for pets. Loud noises from fireworks can cause anxiety, so keep pets indoors during firework displays and consider calming aids like anxiety wraps or soothing music.
  6. Prevent Heatstroke: Avoid walking your dogs during the hottest part of the day. Stick to early morning or late evening walks, and never leave pets in hot cars, as temperatures can rise quickly and become life-threatening.

From all of us at Whites Hill Vet, we wish you and your pets a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to continuing to provide the best care for your furry companions in the year ahead.

Warm regards,
Dr. Preethi, Dr. Chloe, Mel, Anabel, and Caitlin