Panorama Pet Hospital now offers DNA health screening for your dog. With greater than 99% accuracy, our new DNA tests screen for more than 230 genetic health conditions and unlocks breed ancestry, which can inform health care.

With just one cheek swab, your veterinarian can learn actionable insights and create a personalized care plan for your dog. Together, we can be proactive and improve your dog's health! Contact us at (818) 786-4300 to take the next step in providing for your dog's wellness and schedule a DNA test.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Cat and dog wrapped in Christmas decorations

Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

Although the holidays may be a magical time for you, your pet might have a very different experience. In fact, our furry friends may be more likely to become sick or injured in their homes during the holiday season. Fortunately, following these tips will help both of you enjoy a peaceful, happy holiday.

Tip #1: Put an Identification Tag on Your Pet

Dogs and cats can slip out the door in an instant. With so many people coming and going during a holiday party, you may not immediately realize that your pet is missing. Unfortunately, by the time you do notice, your dog or cat could have traveled far from your home.

Adding an ID tag to your pet's collar will make it easier for your neighbors to contact you if they find your pet. Microchips, rice-sized identification chips implanted under your pet's skin, offer even more protection, particularly if a lost pet is taken to a veterinary office or animal shelter. Only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats without tags or microchips are ever reunited with their families, according to American Humane.

Tip #2: Use Battery-Operated Flameless Candles

Lit candles add a little ambiance to your home during the holidays but may not be the best choice if you have pets or small children. Your pet could burn itself on the flame or knock over the candle, causing a fire. Flameless candles flicker just like real candles but are a much safer option.

Tip #3: Think About Christmas Tree Safety

Does your pet enjoy chewing on holiday light cords? Unfortunately, that habit could shock or burn your dog, cat, rabbit, or small animal. Put lights on the upper part of the tree only if your furry friend is a chewer. Wrap cords in cord protectors for additional protection.

Cuts caused by broken ornaments are a definite possibility if your dog or cat enjoys batting at ornaments on the tree. Solve the problem by leaving the bottom half of the tree undecorated or putting your decorated tree behind a baby gate. Reduce the risk of cuts by only using unbreakable ornaments. The ornaments are often just as attractive as fragile glass decorations but won't shatter if they fall off the tree.

Although a cat or dog atop a toppling Christmas tree makes a funny video for social media, falls can be dangerous for pets. Anchoring your tree to the wall with wires and screws will prevent disaster if your pet can't resist climbing your tree.

Tip #4: Keep Tinsel and Wrapping Materials Away from Pets

Tinsel and ribbon can wrap around your pet's intestines or cause a blockage if swallowed. It's best to skip the tinsel if you have a pet. Be sure to put holiday paper, ribbon, twine, and other materials away as soon as you finish your gift wrapping session.

Tip #5: Create a Safe Haven for Your Pet

Even the friendliest pet can become a little overwhelmed by a noisy holiday party. Your dog or cat may enjoy the gathering much more if you put its bed, food, and water in a quiet room far from the action.

Tip #6: Keep These Foods and Plants Out of Your Pet's Reach

Some holiday foods and plants could cause illness or even death if eaten by pets. Keep these things away from your pet:

  • Chocolate
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Yeast
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Bones
  • Raw eggs
  • Nuts
  • Apple seeds
  • Holly
  • Mistletoe
  • Lily
  • Amaryllis
  • Christmas cactus
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Cherry or peach pits
  • Candy and foods sweetened with xylitol

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are only mildly toxic to dogs and cats and may only cause diarrhea and vomiting, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.

Tip #7: Don't Let Your Pet Drink Christmas Tree Water

Water is just as tasty whether it's in a pet bowl or your Christmas tree holder as far as your pet is concerned. Unfortunately, drinking the water could sicken your dog or cat. The ASPCA notes that fertilizers from the tree might contaminate the water or bacteria could form in the stagnant water. Tape aluminum foil over the top of the holder to stop your pet from sipping the water.

Holiday mishaps can happen even if you're extremely careful. If your pet becomes sick or injured this holiday season, we can help your furry friend feel much better. Contact our office to schedule an appointment for your pet.

Sources:

American Humane: Every Day Is Tag Day - Is Your Pet Protected, 4/1/19

Pet Poison Helpline: Poinsettia

Humane Society of the United States: Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

ASPCA: Holiday Safety Tips

American Veterinary Medical Association: 7 Ways to Make the Holidays Safer for Pets

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:30 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:30 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:30 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:30 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I have nothing but good things to say about Panorama Pet Hospitals Dr. and staff. Took my dog in for a dental exam and Dr. Suman addressed the problem immediately. Dr. Suman and the veterinary assistant were so gentle with my dog and made him feel very comfortable. I ended up booking a deep cleaning and I could not have been happier. Dr. Suman took great care of my dog and got his teeth cleaned. All I can say is if you want a trust worthy doctor and a kind staff head over to Panorama Pet Hospital you wont regret it! Thank you again Dr. Suman and staff!"
    Tanya D.
  • "I was contemplating coming here due to the distance. Since I was extremely unhappy with our previous vet. I took the hour's drive. Needless to say, was one of the best decisions I made in my dog's life. Our initial visit was let me just say first impressions go a long way. Dr. Prabhakar showed great concern immediately about my dog Molly's condition. I have worked closely with doctors throughout my career and I have a good intuition on whether a doctor genuinely cares about their patients and Dr. Prabhakar does. A lot of Doctors just prescribe medication. Without determining the underlying problem. When I leave all my questions and concerns are answered. The staff there are so nice and friendly. Tammy is the best! No matter how busy she is she takes the time to stop and listen to me and answers my questions. Definitely worth the drive. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
    Sabrina M.
  • "Came across Doctor Suman after looking for a vet to perform surgery on my kitty leg ! I went to 5 different
    opinions until I found this Doctor! He explained everything in detail and told me exactly how the work would be
    done, I felt so comfortable! He did a fantastic job! Thank You Doctor Suman and Staff! My dog needed the same
    surgery and Doctor Suman was there again performing his magic! He truly cares and has love for every animal
    that comes through his door! The entire staff is full of love and caring hearts!"
    Susie M.
  • "I love this vet so much. Dr. Suman is so smart and kind. Everyone here is very accommodating and whenever
    I've come in stressed and worried for my pet, they are so comforting. It is always a quick and easy experience
    and one of the less expensive vets. Thank you for all your help!"
    Amber F.
  • "This wonderful office squeezed an appt in for my cat's urinary tract infection. They were kind and considerate,
    and accepted Care Credit. Since I lost my teaching job during Covid, the doctor was very compassionate and
    affordable. Thank you, Dr. Prabhakar!"
    Elizabeth F.
  • "Dr. Suman really cares for his patients. Personally even does follow ups and calls to check on how his patients
    are. He respects the pet parents and understands that life us difficult- he presents the real scenario and issue and what needs to happen but also presents options on how to go about the situation if needed."
    Cris Q.
  • "Dr. Suman is the best Veterinarian. I brought my dog in extremely ill suffering from ITP. He was able to place her
    on the right medication to control her illness. The way he demonstrated care, nurture, compassion and
    responded quickly was the best care my fur baby could have received. Thank you Dr. Suman and the whole."
    Erika G.
  • "I've been bringing my cats to dr. Suman for many years now. I find him to be caring and a great vet. They've
    got a wonderful new addition to the team in Dr. Gupta. She is helping me with my cat Joey who has dental
    issues. I feel very confident with her. The ladies in the front office are very nice too."
    Susan M.