Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from All of Us at Southport Animal Hospital!

Meow-y Christmas and a Paw-sitive Wishes for the New Year from Cranberry!

As we welcome a brand new year, the team at Southport Animal Hospital would like to take a moment to thank you for trusting us with the care of your beloved pets. It is truly a privilege to partner with you in keeping your furry family members healthy, comfortable, and thriving. We hope your holidays were filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of tail wags and purrs.

The New Year often brings celebrations, gatherings, and a few changes to our daily routines. While this can be an exciting time for people, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming—or even risky—for our pets. To help everyone start the year off safely and happily, we’d like to share three simple pet safety tips to keep in mind during the holiday season and beyond.

1. Keep Celebrations Pet-Friendly

New Year’s festivities can involve loud noises, unfamiliar guests, and tempting treats. Fireworks, party poppers, or even raised voices can be stressful for pets, particularly dogs and cats who are sensitive to noise. Providing a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat is a great way to reduce anxiety.

Also remember that many holiday foods—such as chocolate, grapes, onions, alcohol, and rich fatty dishes—can be dangerous for pets. If you’re entertaining, remind guests not to share food with your animals and keep treats safely out of reach.

2. Be Mindful of Decorations and Household Hazards

Holiday décor can be beautiful, but it can also pose hidden risks. Tinsel, ribbons, string lights, and ornaments may look like toys to curious pets and can cause serious problems if chewed or swallowed. Secure decorations well, avoid placing fragile items at pet level, and supervise pets around festive displays and during cleanup.

Candles are another common concern during the holidays. If you’re using them, place them where pets can’t knock them over—or consider flameless alternatives for peace of mind.

3. Start the Year with Healthy Habits

The New Year is a perfect time to refocus on your pet’s health. Maintaining a consistent routine for feeding, exercise, and enrichment helps pets feel secure, especially after a busy holiday period. Winter weather can limit outdoor activity, so indoor games, puzzle feeders, and short training sessions can be great ways to keep pets mentally and physically engaged. Check out our online store for slow feeder, food puzzle, toys, and more to help with winter cabin fever.

It’s also an excellent time to check in on preventative care. If your pet is due for vaccinations, parasite prevention, or a wellness exam, our team is always happy to help you plan for a healthy year ahead. if you have our app (for Apple or for Android) you can check out your pet's reminders as well as send in appointment requests, talk with our team via text, and send us their winter selfies!

From all of us at Southport Animal Hospital, we wish you and your pets a happy, healthy, and joyful New Year. Thank you for being part of our veterinary family—we look forward to caring for your companions in the year to come. 🐾

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here for you and your pets.

Fletcher & Donnie had a very happy howl-iday!