Amid Thanksgiving and the holiday season, veterinarians with Thrive Pet Healthcare throughout the US shared emergency room (ER) stories of patients during the holidays. The stories range from cats eating tinsel to dogs eating half a pound of chocolate.

“Holiday sparkle, rich food and packed parties may be fun for humans, but for pets, they can spell trouble,” said Thrive in a news report.

Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments can pose serious risks for cats and dogs alike. These decorations may appear appetizing to pets, leading to intestinal blockages and injuries or creating a choking hazard.

Tinsel, Brittany King, DVM, an emergency veterinarian at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in Mansfield, Texas, shared the story of a cat who landed a trip to the ER after eating tinsel on a Christmas tree and getting an intestinal blockage. The cat exhibited vomiting, and x-rays revealed the blockage. According to King, surgery to remove the tinsel revealed a long strand of tinsel that was tangled in cat’s intestines.

“Thankfully, the curious kitty made a full recovery and was back to batting ornaments and napping under the tree, supervised this time,” said King.

To help keep pets safe, Thrive recommends buying shatterproof ornaments and avoiding tinsel. Flameless candles and cord management can also help prevent burns and electrical shocks from lights and wires, the organization said.

Dogs also have a history of eating things they should not. According to Aaron Weiner, DVM, another emergency veterinarian at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care Center in Largo, Florida, an English Bulldog once visited the ER after eating large Christmas lights, including the wires.

“On the x-ray, we could clearly see the intact bulbs in his stomach," Weiner said.

 "We induced vomiting and, luckily, he brought them all up without needing surgery. It was one of the more memorable holiday cases I've seen."

Make sure lights and cords are fastened down and kept where pets can’t reach them. Anything that sparkles, shines, or makes noise is likely to attract a curious animal, Thrive emphasized.

At Capital Veterinary Specialists Jax in Jacksonville, Florida, Mayra Apolo, DVM, saw a case of another dog—a Pitbull mix—who ingested Christmas ornaments. According to Thrive, the dog passed glitter in his stool for a week.

“He was sparkling from the inside out," said Apolo said in the Thrive report.

 "It might sound funny, but he needed a couple of days in the hospital on [intravenous] fluids to make sure nothing serious was happening. Thankfully, he didn't need surgery and got to go home and enjoy the rest of his holiday. This was a good reminder that even something as innocent-looking as a festive decoration can become dangerous."

Call a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if a pet shows signs indicating they may have ingested something harmful. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a lack of appetite. Thrive advises taking early action and not waiting for symptoms to appear if it is believed a pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t have.

In Torrence, California, a 4-year-old Boxer named Rocky ate at least a half of pound of chocolate and had to spend 24 hours in the ER. “[Rocky’s] family came home to unwrapped Christmas presents and an empty box of chocolates," Cindy Hong, DVM, who works at Thrive Pet Healthcare Urgent Care in Torrance, said in a news report.

 "We induced vomiting, and about a half pound of chocolate came back up. He clearly had a sweet tooth. Thankfully, his family brought him in right away to get the care he needed. Rocky was doing great the next day after an overnight stay at a 24-hour ER, but it could've ended very differently. Chocolate and dogs don't mix!"

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats and can lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, tremors, and seizures.

 Other symptoms include increased thirst and urination. Dogs and cats can take several hours to show clinical signs of chocolate poisoning, with symptoms potentially lasting for several days.

Other toxic foods to pets include xylitol—which is used in gum and sugar-free sweets—cooked bones, grapes, raisins, onions, and alcohol.

 These foods may be more common during the holidays, posing a potentially greater risk to pets during the holiday season.

To include pets in the festivities, offer them safe choices such as plain turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, or designated pet treats.

Safeguarding the emotional wellbeing of pets

Loud sounds, unfamiliar people, and overstimulation or movement can cause anxiety or lead to behavioral problems in pets. Preparing a calm, comfortable room with soft music and a favorite toy, chew, or blanket before guests arrive can help protect 

. If the pet chooses to join the festivities, Thrive recommends ensuring there is a safe place they can retreat to if they begin feeling overwhelmed. “Supervise interactions with young children who may not know how to handle pets appropriately. Ask guests not to feed your pet,” Thrive added.

Pets struggling with severe anxiety can be prescribed medication under veterinary supervision. Owners should consult their veterinarian in advance.

Lastly, when planning a trip pet owners should evaluate their pet’s temperament and the safety of their destination. Some homes may not be well-suited for pets and resident animals may react territorially to visiting pets. “A boarding facility or pet sitter may be a better fit than bringing your pet into an unfamiliar or high-stress environment,” concluded Thrive.

Holiday Chaos Through the Eyes of ER and Urgent Care Veterinarians. News release. Thrive Pet Healthcare. November 19, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holiday-chaos-through-the-eyes-of-er-and-urgent-care-veterinarians-302619526.html

Schmid R. Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs#:~:text=Yes%2C%20chocolate%20is%20toxic%20to,can%20result%20in%20significant%20illness.

Articles

Veterinarians share holiday pet emergencies, highlighting risks from decorations and toxic foods, while offering tips to keep pets safe this season.

Veterinarians share holiday pet hazards and tips

Happy Monday dvm360 readers, are you ready for Thanksgiving? With Thanksgiving being a time to reflect and be thankful, it can also be a dangerous time for patients. From family visiting and leaving open suitcases with medication in them on the floor to cooking ingredients harmful for pets and alcohol being left around, no one wants a trip to the emergency room this Thanksgiving. Sharing helpful tips and things to look out for on social media, educating clients coming in for visits this week, and providing any other materials can help keep clients and patients out of the ER and with their family and friends this Thursday.

Here is all the news you can catch up on this week:

Veterinarians from the Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences successfully perform the first pacemaker implantation in Thailand in Pepsi, an 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat.

Pro Plan Veterinary recently announced that it has entered a partnership with Ease, an online home for veterinary behavior specialty care, to raise awareness of veterinary behavioral support services.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, Bonnie Wright, DVM, DACVAA, joins Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to talk more about what it is like to be an integrative pain management specialist, acupuncture, and more.

In preparation for Thanksgiving, Thrive Pet Healthcare shared how holiday chaos can look from the eyes of emergency and urgent care veterinary professionals to help raise awareness of the holiday horrors lurking during this time of years festivities.

Harvey S. Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Clemson University in South Carolina announced that it has received a $16.5 million donation, the largest private donation the college has ever received, as it prepares to welcome its first class of students next fall.

Zoetis and Wragler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) reignited their 4 year partnership to support proper biosecurity protocols and precautions by providing vaccines to the horses competing in the 2025 NFR.

Here is a sneak peek at this week’s headlines.

Sneak peek: Feline patient receives Thailand’s first pacemaker, and other news 

On the East Coast, Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic (HARC) in Apex, North Carolina, serving only cat and dog rescue organizations, has a new executive director. MI:RNA has appointed a new chief veterinary officer to support its commercial and clinical efforts. Meanwhile, Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine has launched a statewide initiative to promote rural veterinary education and protect Ohio’s agricultural economy, naming a new director of outreach and engagement. Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Ericka Basile, executive director, Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic

Ericka Basile, executive director, Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic. (Image courtesy of Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic)

HARC recently appointed Ericka Basile as its new executive director. Basile has more than 2 decades of leadership experience in animal welfare and the pet industry, including product development and Sales.

Basile is the cofounder of a shelter enrichment program, alongside KONG toy company cofounder, Joe Markham. She has also volunteered with therapy dogs in cancer wards and contributed to marketing the new facility for Naples Humane Society. In addition, she is an on-call product expert for Good Morning America’s pet product segment and has raised more than $5 million for animal rescue efforts.

 According to HARC, Basile’s work in product development and sales has earned recognition from Forbes, Pet Business Magazine, and the American Pet Products Association.

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CFCP, Elite FFCP-V, chief veterinary officer, MI:RNA

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CFCP, Elite FFCP-V, chief veterinary officer, MI:RNA. 

Earlier this fall, veterinary diagnostics company MI:RNA announced Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CFCP, Elite FFCP-V as its new chief veterinary officer, where she will help with the company’s clinical and commercial strategy. Marks has more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice, media, and veterinary entrepreneurship. In addition to being a certified veterinary journalist, Marks is a clinical consultant for 

 and serves on the advisory board for multiple early-stage animal health companies. She is the CEO and co-owner of the Veterinary Angel Network for Entrepreneurs (VANE). Additionally, Marks is the recipient of Nobivac’s Veterinarian of the Year (2017), America’s Favorite Veterinarian by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (2015), and Petplan Veterinarian of the Year (2012).

"As a profession, we have just scratched the surface in creating diagnostics for the earlier detection and screening of diseases, especially those with significant subclinical stages. I was immediately fascinated by MI:RNA’s diagnostic technology and its potential to bridge a significant gap in veterinary medicine across numerous species,” Marks said in a news release.

 “I look forward to working with a team that is pioneering the use of microRNAs to empower veterinarians with tools for more proactive care,”

Leah Dorman, DVM, director of outreach and engagement for Protect OHIO program

Leah Dorman, DVM, director of outreach and engagement for Protect OHIO program. (Image courtesy of The Ohio State University)

At the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, Leah Dorman, DVM, has been appointed director of outreach and engagement for the college’s new Protect One Health in Ohio (OHIO) program. The new program was developed to educate more large animal and rural veterinarians in Ohio while focusing on enrolling more students from rural communities. Protect OHIO also aims to expand risk assessment and surveillance programs to help protect Ohio’s agricultural economy.

In her new position, Dorman will be the primary liaison between Protect OHIO and agricultural stakeholders, rural communities and industry partners, as well will lead outreach and education efforts to increase veterinary student enrollment from rural Ohio, promote large animal veterinary careers, and support graduates return to and stay in rural practice. In her most recent role, Dorman was the senior director of communications and consumer engagement at Phibro Animal Health Corp. She has also worked with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and was assistant state veterinarian for Ohio. 

“Feeding people is a shared responsibility and it starts with healthy animals, resilient communities and a strong veterinary workforce,” said Dorman in a university press release.

 “This work is deeply personal to me. I’ve spent my career listening to rural voices, mentoring passionate students, and building trust with Ohio’s agricultural and veterinary communities."

Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic appoints Ericka Basile as executive director. News release. Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic. November 12, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025.

Renowned veterinarian and industry leader Dr. Natalie Marks appointed chief veterinary officer at MI:RNA. News release. October 30, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. 

College appoints Leah Dorman, DVM ’95, director of outreach and engagement for the Protect One Health in Ohio Program. News release. The Ohio State University. October 29, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://vet.osu.edu/news/college-appoints-dorman-director-outreach-engagement-protect-one-health-ohio

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement.

Paws and profits: Ohio State names Leah Dorman, DVM, director of outreach for new rural veterinary education and agriculture protection program

Photos courtesy of the Clemson University Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine

Don Quattlebaum addresses guests during a celebration of his $16.5 million gift at Clemson University.

A $16.5 million donation has been made to the Harvey S. Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Clemson University in South Carolina. The funds provided by Don Quattlebaum represent the largest private donation ever received for the CVM, which plans to welcome its first students in fall 2026.

“Don Quattlebaum’s gift is an investment in the future of animal and human health in South Carolina. It will allow us to train the next generation of veterinary clinicians and scientists to enhance the human animal bond for the benefit of our state and beyond,” 

, founding dean of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr CVM, said in a news release.

Quattlebaum is a third generation Clemson graduate and member of the Class of 1976. He is owner of White House Farms, which produces rice in Georgetown County, South Carolina.

“Clemson’s grown a lot since I graduated in ’76 and certainly a huge amount since my father graduated in ’34 and my grandfather graduated [in 1909]. Even though it’s changed…I feel the basic mission and the feel of the place has not changed,” Quattlebaum said, while addressing guests at a Clemson celebration event in recognition of his donation.

Earlier this year, the Harvey S. Peeler Jr CVM received a 

 from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, which moved it forward in the accreditation process. The action also allowed the university to open its application window for prospective veterinary students. Once the CVM opens to students, it will be the first in South Carolina to provide the opportunity for individuals to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Steven Marks, BVSc, MS, MRCVS, DACVIM, (center) founding dean of the veterinary college, tours the newly named Quattlebaum Hub, under construction, with Don Quattlebaum (right) and another guest. 

Quattlebaum’s donated funds will support the CVM’s campus hub, which will house modern classroom spaces, conference rooms, a library and a bookstore. This centralized facility, currently under construction, is newly named the Quattlebaum Hub in the donor's honor.

Furthermore, an outdoor space on the campus has been named for Quattlebaum's late son. The Andy Quattlebaum Pavilion is designed as a place for students to relax, study and enjoy the outdoors.

Andy Quattlebaum loved animals and the outdoors, and was a student at Clemson at the time of his death.

The historic donation to the CVM will also help it draw “top-tier faculty members” through the Don and Hayden Quattlebaum Endowed Professorship—which is also named for the donor's late wife—as well as an unrestricted endowment that the CVM can use to address its priority needs, according to the release.

“Don’s gift represents an investment in the future of South Carolina. Their family’s legacy is significant and will continue to make a difference in the lives of future Tigers for generation to come,” Jim Clements, president of Clemson University, said in the release.

Along with the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation, Quattlebaum has supported Clemson through philanthropy for a long time, according to the university. This includes support for student experiences that focus on wellness and natural resources protection as well as the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center on the university’s main campus.

Quattlebaum’s philanthropic efforts have extended to other institutions as well. These include Andy’s Cottage at the Belle W. Baruch Institute in Georgetown, South Carolina; and the establishment of the Andy Quattlebaum Distinguished Chair in Infectious Disease Research at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Raliegh.

Schneider B. Don Quattlebaum donates $16.5 million to support the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. college of Veterinary Medicine. News release. Clemson University. November 21, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. 

https://news.clemson.edu/don-quattlebaum-donates-16-5-million-to-support-the-harvey-s-peeler-jr-college-of-veterinary-medicine/

White House Farms—growing and honoring a rice legacy. White House Farms. Accessed November 24, 2025. 

Crossley KC. Clemson University opens application window for its first veterinary students. 

. October 10, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/clemson-university-opens-application-window-for-its-first-veterinary-students

Volstad S. With new distinguished chair, family’s heartfelt gift creates lasting impact. North Carolina State University. August 16, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2025. 

https://news.cvm.ncsu.edu/with-new-distinguished-chair-familys-heartfelt-gift-creates-lasting-impact/

The new school at Clemson University aims to welcome its first students in fall 2026.

Veterinary college receives a large private donation

The top reason is periodontal disease, explains Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC.

Common causes of tooth extractions

, Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, a senior pet advocate and veterinary dental specialist at Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital in Boerne, Texas, discusses the leading causes of tooth extractions in pets. Periodontal disease, Lobprise explains, is the primary reason for extractions, but is largely preventable with good home care and regular cleanings beginning at 1 year of age. Tooth injuries, including blunt trauma or fractures that expose the pulp, are another common reason for extraction.

The following is a transcript of the video, lightly edited for clarity and cohesion.

: Probably the most common reason for extractions is periodontal disease, which is a little on the sad side because it's pretty preventable in most cases. If you know you're going to have a small dog that's going to live lots of years and have more chance of periodontal disease, with good home care and regular cleanings from age 1 [and] on—and taking it from there as a prevention—you can keep that mouth much healthier than, say, the little dog I saw yesterday. And while certainly now he's going to be much healthier, if he had never gotten to that state, with that stage 3 to 4 periodontal disease, he would have been healthier all along.

So, periodontal disease is certainly number 1. Number 2 would be some type of tooth injury that either fractures the tooth and exposes the canal itself—the pulp—which exposes [it to] bacteria. The pulp dies, and then we have issues there. Or even blunt trauma, where it gets pinkish and purple. So endodontic disease is another big reason.

Occasionally, we're going to do some extractions for young pets if they have malocclusions, and that might help them from having an uncomfortable bite—it will take away that tooth that is causing pain.

Videos

The top cause is periodontal disease, explains Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC.

Horses in multiple states have reportedly been diagnosed with equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) infection. Although the infectious disease is not typically deadly, it can manifest in neurologic, respiratory, or reproductive forms and can be life-threatening. Severe cases of the virus’s neurologic form, equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), can be potentially fatal to the infected horse, and EHV-1 can cause abortion in pregnant mares.

EHV-1 is spread through contact with infected nasal discharge and aerosol droplets between horses, as well as contaminated surfaces such as stalls, feed, tack, and vehicles. Humans can also indirectly transmit infection through contaminated hands, clothing, and equipment.

Multiple cases of the highly contagious virus have been traced to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals (WPRA) and Elite Barrel Race, held November 5-9, 2025, in Waco, Texas. Diagnostics showed 2 horses in Oklahoma, and at least 3 in Texas, were found positive for EHV-1 after traveling to this WPRA event. The 3 Texas horses are quarantined at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU Vet Med) Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Baton Rouge.

“Quarantining and reducing exposure is vital because the virus spreads easily and can transmit from horse to horse before any clinical signs appear,” Jared Janke, DVM, clinical associate professor of equine internal medicine at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, said in a news release.

 “Preventing the movement of exposed horses helps cut off main transmission routes.”

The extent of the outbreak is not yet known.

 However, it has caused the remainder of the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship, which was scheduled for November 17-22, 2025, at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to be canceled. Furthermore, a horse with EHV-1 was stalled on the Lazy E Arena grounds after testing positive for the virus, according to a local news report.

Clinical signs of EHV-1 infection include fever, nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, and late-term abortion that can occur up to 2 months after a mare is infected, according to LSU Vet Med. Signs of EHM include an inability to stand, incoordination, urine dribbling, high fever, and decreased sensation in the tail and perineal area.

“Owners that suspect a horse has been exposed should contact their veterinarian and quarantine the horse and any horses that have been exposed to that horse,” Rose Baker, BVMS, DACVIM (LAIM), associate professor of equine medicine at LSU Vet Med, said in a news release.

 “Your veterinarian can submit samples to LSU diagnostics to determine if a horse is shedding EHV-1 into the environment.”

During a 2- to 10-day EHV-1 incubation period, horses can shed the virus before developing clinical signs.

 In cases of EHM, the incubation period may be longer.

 “Any signs of fever, along with hind limb loss of coordination, urine dribbling, or weak tail tone, should prompt an owner to isolate the horse, stop the movement of any animals in contact, and reach out to their veterinarian immediately,” Janke said.

 “Your veterinarian will help ensure that the proper diagnostic tests are performed and will notify their state’s animal health official of the ongoing situation.”

Horses with EHV-1 can be treated for the virus with anti-inflammatory medications and supportive care, as well as antiviral therapies in certain cases. Vaccines can help protect horses against the respiratory and reproductive forms of the virus, but there is no vaccine available to prevent the neurologic form, according to LSU Vet Med.

LSU Vet Med treating three Texas horses quarantined for confirmed equine herpesvirus-1. News release. Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. November 19, 2025. Accessed November 21, 2025. 

https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/news/2025/equine_herpesvirus.php

Barlow L. Barrel Futurities of America suspends Oklahoma event due to EHM positives. News release. American Association of Equine Practitioners. November 19, 2025. Accessed November 21, 2025. 

https://aaep.org/post/barrel-futurities-of-america-suspends-oklahoma-event-due-to-ehm-positive/

Stopping the spread of equine herpesvirus. News release. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. November 21, 2025.

Sharfman A. OK Dept of Agriculture confirms two cases of highly contagious virus affecting horses. 

. November 19, 2025. Updated November 20, 2025. Accessed November 21, 2025. 

https://ktul.com/news/local/possible-exposure-of-equine-herpesvirus-leads-to-lazy-e-arena-event-cancellation-highly-contagious-virus-horses-oklahoma-state-veterinarian-ehv-1-rhinopneumonitis-virus-strain-symptoms-barrel-futurities-of-america

The highly contagious virus has been linked to a recent rodeo event, with known  cases diagnosed in horses from Texas and Oklahoma.