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The holidays can bring so much joy into our homes, and our pets feel that energy along with us. But with all the new sights and smells, they may encounter things that aren’t safe for them. Review these winter holiday tips to help keep your pets protected so everyone can enjoy the season together.

Thrombocytopenia refers to a disorder in which the patient has too few platelets. Platelets are small cell-like particles in the blood, which are produced in the bone marrow. Their function is to form blood clots to stop the flow of blood after an injury or surgery. When platelet levels are very low, bleeding can occur. Thrombocytopenia may occur as a response to a disease, as a component of blood cancer, immune disorder or as an adverse reaction to a medication. Since thrombocytopenia can be life-threatening, early detection and intervention are key. There are two types of thrombocytopenia: congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Acquired thrombocytopenia can occur in dogs and cats and can have many causes.

Anemia is a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells. The number of red blood cells can diminish due to loss (bleeding), destruction (hemolysis), or decreased production (bone marrow disorders). Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, so anemia causes a decrease in oxygen delivery to cells. There are three categories of anemia: 1. Blood Loss Anemia can occur from external and/or internal blood loss. External blood loss from: Injuries like puncture wounds, getting hit by a car, or falling from a building (high-rise syndrome) Bleeding tumors such as mast cell, bladder, nasal, and intestinal tumors Nosebleeds or blood in stool or urine from low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or other bleeding disorders such as rodenticide poisoning Stomach ulcers Internal blood loss from: Bleeding internal organ tumors such as hemangiosarcoma, liver, and kidney tumors Spontaneous bleeding from low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or other bleeding disorders such as rodenticide poisoning 2. Hemolytic Anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed at an abnormally high rate. Hemolysis is a normal process through which old red blood cells are removed so they can be replaced by new ones. However, if this removal process occurs faster than the replacement, the pet becomes anemic. This can happen from: Immune system disorder (immune mediated hemolytic anemia) Infections from organisms such as Babesia (parasites that cause babesiosis), Mycoplasma (bacteria), or Leptospira (bacteria that cause leptospirosis) Zinc poisoning from ingesting pennies or zinc screws Low phosphorus Red blood cell disorders resulting from pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase deficiencies Onion ingestion Acetaminophen ingestion in cats Exposure to skunk musk in dogs Cancer (the tumor(s) destroy red blood cells) 3. Decreased production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrows, like any other organ in the body, can stop functioning properly. If the bone marrow cannot produce the necessary number of red blood cells, the pet will become anemic. This can happen from: Infections like FeLV or FIV Fungal infections Tick-borne illness Parvovirus Iron deficiency from a poor diet, intestinal parasites, intestinal disease or chronic blood loss. Iron is an important building block for red blood cells Lead poisoning Liver shunt Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome) Kidney disease Systemic illness from pancreatitis Bone marrow disorders: Myelophthesis (bone marrow tissue is replaced by cancerous tumors like leukemia, multiple myeloma, or lymphoma) Myelodysplasia (bone marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells or produces abnormal cells) Pure red cell aplasia (bone marrow stops making red blood cells) Precursor immune mediated hemolytic anemia (red blood cells are getting inside the bone marrow) Drug reactions: developing red blood cells are damaged in the bone marrow

As the warm weather rolls in, so do the outdoor festivities: barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings under the sun. While these events are a source of joy and indulgence for us, they can be surprisingly hazardous for our canine companions. Many pet owners, eager to include their dogs in the fun, may unknowingly expose them to serious health risks by offering foods that are not only inappropriate but potentially life-threatening. Here’s a breakdown of common barbecue and picnic foods you should never feed your dog — and why.

Easter celebrations can bring hidden dangers for pets. Keep them safe with these precautions: Chocolate & Candy – Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate, is toxic to pets. Xylitol, a sugar substitute in some candies and gum, is also highly dangerous. Keep all treats out of reach. Easter Lilies & Other Plants – Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Other spring flowers, like daffodils and tulips, can also be harmful. Keep all plants out of reach and opt for pet-safe alternatives. Plastic Easter Grass & Small Decorations – Cats and dogs may be tempted to chew on plastic Easter grass, ribbons, or small decorations, which can cause serious intestinal blockages. Use paper grass or fabric alternatives. Egg Hunts & Leftovers – If hosting an Easter egg hunt, be sure all eggs (plastic or real) are accounted for. Forgotten eggs can spoil, and plastic eggs or their contents can be a choking hazard. Table Scraps & Rich Foods – Fatty or rich foods, such as ham, can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis in pets. Stick to pet-safe treats and remind guests not to share their meals. Guests & Open Doors – With visitors coming and going, make sure pets don’t slip out unnoticed. Consider providing a quiet, safe space away from the activity if your pet gets overwhelmed. Choosing an Easter Bunny – Rabbits, chicks, and ducklings require special care and aren’t holiday novelties. If you’re considering a new pet, make sure it’s a well-planned, lifelong commitment.