The following information was provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association to help you and your pets have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.
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Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends, but it also can carry some hazards for pets. Holiday food needs to be kept away from pets, and pet owners who travel need to either transport their pets safely or find safe accommodations for them at home. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.
Poison risks
Overindulging in the family feast can be unhealthy for humans, but even worse for pets: Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest. Poultry bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract. And holiday sweets can contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets.

• Keep the feast on the table—not under it.  Eating turkey or turkey skin – sometimes even a small amount – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets – including onions, raisins and grapes. If you want to share a Thanksgiving treat with your pet, make or buy a treat that is made just for them.
• No pie or other desserts for your pooch. Chocolate can be harmful for pets, even though many dogs find it tempting and will sniff it out and eat it. The artificial sweetener called xylitol – commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods – also can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats.
• Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
• Put the trash away where your pets can’t find it.  A turkey carcass sitting out on the carving table, or left in a trash container that is open or easily opened, could be deadly to your family pet. Dispose of turkey carcasses and bones – and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags and packaging – in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
• Be careful with decorative plants. Don’t forget that some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas and more. The ASPCA offers lists of plants that are toxic to both dogs and cats, but the safest route is simply to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations.
• Quick action can save lives. If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You may also want to call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435. Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact a veterinarian or pet emergency clinic right away.

Effective immediately we are requiring all individuals to wear a mask in our facility.  This is due to the recent increase in cases  and the close quarters in the exam rooms.  If you  prefer not to wear a mask we also still offer our curbside option where we bring your pet inside and you wait in your car.  We hope this will be a temporary change. 
Thank you for your cooperation.  -
Sincerely, Dr. Wicker

Effective July 1st, 2021, we will begin allowing clients to accompany their pet(s) inside the hospital for outpatient exams, subject to the following conditions:
1.)  Individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to wear masks but may do so if they desire.
2.)  Following recommended guidelines, non-vaccinated individuals should wear masks while inside our facility.
3.)  Due to spacing limitations, a maximum of 2 individuals (and preferably 1 individual) will be allowed in with their pet(s).
4.)  To avoid overcrowding and help with traffic flow, our lobby will remain closed at this time.  When you arrive for your appointment, please notify the staff by phone at 813-752-3073.  (If you cannot get through, you may text your name and that you have arrived to 813-704-0642.)  After you are checked in, you will wait in your vehicle with your pet (or outside away from the front door and other clients and pets.)  We will notify you when we are ready to take you directly to the exam room.
5.)  If you are picking up medications or food, please notify us when you are here to pick up by calling 813-752-3073 (or if you cannot get through text to 813-704-0642.)
6.)  If you would prefer to wait outside and not come in while your pet(s) is(are) being seen, we will still offer the curbside option we are currently using.
7.)  If you are coming in with your pet(s) and prefer the staff and Doctor to wear masks while in the exam room with you, please let us know.
8.)  If you or another individual in your family is feeling ill, or if you have had contact with a COVID positive individual in the last 10 days, PLEASE reschedule or handle as a curbside appointment.  Please notify us in advance if this is the case so we may take extra precautions.
9.)  If you have any questions, please ask by calling 813-752-3073 or emailing plantcityanimalhospital@gmail.com
This policy is subject to change if conditions warrant.  We are sure that you are all tired of hearing about COVID.  This has been a difficult time for all.  We continue to make decisions based on current scientific evidence to keep our clients safe and to keep our staff and Doctor healthy so we can remain open and be here to help you take care of your pet(s). 
Thank you for your patience and understanding.  Sincerely, Dr. Wicker