New Year’s Drinking — Not a Pet Trick

BOULDER, Colorado, December 26, 2008— At the end of every year, veterinarian Lee Woods treats dogs with alcohol poisoning. The incidence of alcohol poisoning in dogs increases around the holidays and particularly near New Year’s Eve.

"We have treated extremely sick dogs whose owners brought them in after serving them alcohol at a party," said Woods, director of Broadway Animal Hospital in Boulder. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning are similar to those in humans, including disorientation and vomiting. Alcohol consumption can also cause pet hypothermia and is even more dangerous during extreme weather conditions.

No amount of alcohol is safe for pets. In large amounts, alcohol can cause animal seizures and even death. "Humans can sleep off the overindulgence of alcohol, but pets should be seen by a veterinarian immediately," Woods said. "Alcohol can be extremely toxic to dogs and is not a funny pet trick when the owner has to rush their pet to the animal hospital," he added.

About Broadway Animal Hospital
Broadway Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association and provides immunization and wellness care, surgery, dental care, nutritional counseling, pain management and euthanasia services. Pet day care, boarding, and grooming services are also available.

Boulder County residents voted Dr. Lee Woods of Broadway Animal Hospital the first place "Best of Boulder Veterinarian" in the 2008 Boulder County Gold contest. Voters also selected Broadway Animal Hospital first runner-up in the "Best Pet Boarding Service" category. For more information about Broadway Animal Hospital visit http://www.broadwayanimal.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/drlee80305, call 303-499-5505, or stop by the hospital located at 1405 S. Broadway in Boulder.