Christmas is the busiest time of year for emergency vet clinics and the Veterinary Association is urging pet owners to think twice before bringing their animals in to avoid the centres getting overwhelmed.
With even our furry friends getting in the festive spirit, the last place you want to end up during the holidays is the vets.
"Obviously heat stoke's pretty common, all sorts of toxicities like chocolate cake, Christmas cake, all the things associated with summer like onions. If they're playing in the water making sure they don't swallow too much water," said vet Dr Rosemary Price.
Staff shortages and lack of resources across the country means emergency veterinary clinics are feeling the pressure.
The NZ Veterinary Association (NZVA) is asking owners to follow three simple steps if their pet is sick or hurt and their normal vet clinic is closed.
"Think 'P-E-T', so 'P' means pause, so take a moment to think about what is actually going on with your pet. 'E' is for emergency call so if you are worried to make that call to an emergency service provider or vet clinic
and 'T' is to take the advice that is given," NZVA head of veterinary services Sally Cory said.
That's particularly important as we come up to the busiest time of year.
"Over the warmer months more trauma happens, animals are out and about a bit more," Cory said.
"It's really about thinking whether it is an actual emergency and if it is, they'll be happy to help. They don't love calls about routine things at 2am which do actually happen!" Dr Price said.
There are things you can do to prevent emergencies.
"Make sure they have enough fresh water and enough downtime. If it's hot for you to step on the pavement it's hot for them as well so make sure their paws don't get burnt," Dr Price said.
And with most vets closed for a few days over the summer period the advice is to make sure you are registered with a clinic and know their emergency phone number just in case.
