Posts in Category: Seasonal Pet Care

The holidays bring twinkle lights, cozy gatherings, and plenty of tasty treats, plus a few seasonal risks for our four-legged family members. At Curem Veterinary Care in Mesa, we’ve pulled together practical guidance to help you celebrate safely without dampening the fun.

Holiday Food: What To Keep Off the Menu

Rich foods and sweets are the most common holiday pet hazards. Keep plates out of paw’s reach and brief guests (kids included) before dinner is served. When in doubt, stick to your pet’s regular diet and approved treats. Avoid sharing the following:

• Turkey skin, pan drippings, and gravy: Contain high levels of fat that may trigger pancreatitis
• Cooked bones: Can cause splintering and intestinal blockages
• Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks: Can damage red blood cells
• Grapes and raisins: May cause sudden kidney failure
• Chocolate and cocoa: Theobromine and caffeine are toxic to pets
• Xylitol in sugar-free candies, gum, and some peanut butters: Can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar
• Alcohol and unbaked yeast dough: Lead to gas buildup and disorientation

If you want to offer something special, choose plain green beans, a little cooked turkey, plain pumpkin, or your vet-approved treats. Simple swaps like these are easy, practical pet safety tips during the holidays.

Decor, Plants, and Packages: Pretty but Risky

Sparkly decorations are irresistible. Before decking the halls, do a quick “pet-eye-level” sweep and secure anything that dangles, rolls, or crinkles, and beware of:

• Tinsel, ribbon, and yarn: These are especially hazardous for cats, and can cause intestinal damage
• Breakable ornaments and hooks: Can cut paws or be swallowed
• Strings of lights and loose cords: Increase risk for shock and burn if chewed
• Button batteries: Potential for chemical burns, and might cause severe injury if ingested
• Essential oil diffusers and liquid potpourri: Irritating or toxic to pets
• Lilies (for cats), mistletoe, holly, and even poinsettias: Can cause illness or death if chewed

Place fragile items higher, tape cords, and choose pet-safe greenery. A little planning helps you avoid preventable holiday pet hazards.

Company, Commotion, and Routine Changes

Guests, deliveries, and schedule shifts can stress even the most social pets. These mesa vet tips can keep the peace:

• Create a quiet room with a bed, water, and favorite toys.
• Use baby gates or leashes at the door to prevent escapes.
• Confirm ID tags and microchips are up to date.
• Offer food puzzles or lick mats during busy moments.

Calm, predictable routines and a safe retreat are powerful holiday pet safety tips that help pets settle while you host.

When To Seek Care (and How We Can Help)

Call a veterinarian promptly if you notice repeated vomiting, a bloated or painful abdomen, labored breathing, tremors, seizures, sudden lethargy, or exposure to toxins (even if your pet seems “fine”). Curem Veterinary Care offers walk-in urgent care for unexpected needs. You can call ahead to be added to our real-time wait list, and we accept walk-ins until an hour before closing. Quick action makes a big difference with many holiday-related issues.

Travel and Outdoor Time in the Desert

Mesa’s winter weather can sometimes surprise you. Keep pets hydrated on hikes, watch for cactus spines and foxtails, and pack a simple first-aid kit with tweezers, bandage material, and saline. In the car, use a secured crate or a crash-tested harness, and never leave pets unattended, even on mild days—cars can heat rapidly in the Arizona sun.

Wrap It Up: Celebrate Safely and Joyfully

A little foresight goes a long way. With smart boundaries around food, décor, and routines, you’ll keep tails wagging all season long. If you’d like to schedule a wellness visit for your canine or feline companion, or you need timely care, our team at Curem Veterinary Care is here to help. Call (480) 787-0544 for appointments, urgent/walk-in care guidance, or holiday pet safety tips. Happy holidays from all of us!

The busyness of summer is finally winding down. You’re probably feeling ready to settle down and focus on the to-do list you’ve ignored during the flurry of summertime activities. One thing to add to that list? A fall vet visit for your senior pet. 

Older pets are prone to hidden health issues, and seasonal changes can amplify things like joint stiffness and respiratory problems. In Mesa, we’re about to enter a drier, cooler period, and veterinary support can help your pet sail through the winter. 

Here’s what the team at Curem Veterinary Care wants pet parents to know about fall vet visits. 

From vast red deserts to scads of sunshine, living in Arizona has its perks. But if you’re a pet parent, you know the Arizona climate comes with some challenges, too. Our state’s dry weather can take a toll on our furry family members.

Today, the team at Curem Veterinary Care will share insights into pet care best practices in the desert.

Spring is a beautiful season here in Mesa, Arizona. Unfortunately, this can also signal the beginning of allergy season for both people and animals. People often experience itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and sneezing, but pet allergies can manifest in multiple ways. Your pet may need a springtime veterinary visit if they display considerably itchy or severely inflamed skin.

At Curem Veterinary Care, we understand how pet allergies can substantially affect quality of life. This spring learning about seasonal allergies and how to identify them and find helpful tips to keep your pet comfortable.

Halloween is a fun and festive time, but it can also pose several risks for our furry friends. At Curem Veterinary Care, we want to make sure that your pets enjoy a safe and happy Halloween. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare your pets for the season.

Summer is the perfect time to explore pet-friendly travel locations in Mesa, AZ, and beyond with your favorite furry companion. But before piling your pets and family into the minivan, check out our team’s tips for traveling pet parents to help ensure that your adventures are safe and stress-free.

In a perfect world, pets wouldn’t be bothered by parasites. They would just carry on with all their delightful exuberance and curiosity, unburdened by vector-borne illnesses. While parasites are a necessary part of the food chain, it can seem impossible to peacefully coexist with them. Not only irritating, parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes threaten pet health. With a year-round approach to parasite prevention, you can safeguard your pet’s wellness today and tomorrow. 

When you have pets, it is important to know exactly what’s in the garden or around the property. An innocent exploration in the backyard could lead to big trouble if your pet comes into contact with a toxic plant. Whether a pet likes to sniff, eat, or sleep on garden plants according to their whim, we’re here to help steer them towards a safer environment. 

Allergies in pets are actually pretty common. Our dog and cat friends can be allergic to anything that a person can be. They can have a sensitivity to bee stings, react to a vaccine, have trouble with ragweed, or even be allergic to you! So how do you know if your cat or dog has allergies? Keep reading to find out.

While you’re shopping for the hottest gizmos and gadgets for everyone on your list, don’t forget to pick up something extra special for the pets in your life. From bestselling pet products to the latest trends, plus other ways to show your pets how much you care, our team at Curem Veterinary Care has ideas to help you spoil your pets this season.