It’s not just food and treats that we have to be careful with around our pets during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, there are many potential problems and serious health risks pet parents should be aware of.

Here is a list of the “DOs “and “DON’TS” to keep in mind as you celebrate the holidays in the weeks ahead.

Don’t let your pet drink the water from the container of a live Christmas tree; the water can contain poisonous fertilizers and pesticides. If you have pets, it’s safer to just set up and decorate an artificial tree.
Don’t include mistletoe, holly, poinsettias or lilies in your holiday décor, because they are toxic if ingested by pets. Some species of lilies are especially poisonous to pets.
Don’t leave the strings that are wrapped around a turkey where your pets can get to them. If ingested, these strings can become tangled in your pet’s intestines and require an emergency surgical removal.
Don’t dispose of any trash in an indoor garbage container that is not well sealed or securely covered. Both dogs and cats are tempted by food trimmings and leftovers, as well as tinsel, ribbons and bows that could all cause digestive upsets and gastrointestinal obstructions.
Don’t put lighted candles where your pet could knock them over and cause a fire.
Don’t leave out decorations that look like big chew toys that may motivate your dog to try to take a bite.
Don’t feed pets any of the common holiday foods listed below that can be problematic and even toxic in some cases: Onions I Garlic I Grapes I Raisins I Currants I Yeast dough I Bones I Butter I Fat I Turkey skin I Sugar I Artificial sweeteners like xylitol I Chocolate (especially dark and cooking chocolate)

Nobody wants their pets to experience gas and painful bloating during this festive time of the year. And we certainly do not want our pets to develop pancreatitis or become poisoned and need hospitalization or undergo emergency surgery to remove something that is lodged in their digestive tract.

But enough is enough about DON’T’s…..here is a list of Dos:

Do have some treats handy so you are not tempted to give your pets people food.
Do use wire to secure your Christmas tree to a stable surface so that your pet cannot knock it over.
Do put your pet in a bathroom or bedroom while preparing your holiday meal in the kitchen and when serving holiday meals to your guests.
Do tell your guests not to give any people food to your pets.
Do microchip your pets in case they slip out the door in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Do keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy in case you need it.
Do give your pets lots of love and attention, because they might feel anxious with all the festivities, as well as the transformation of their homes with decorations, etc.
Pets are creatures of habit, so try and maintain their daily routines as much as you can.

Enjoy your holidays, and include the furry family members by using common sense, just like you do with young children.

I wish you all a joyous and safe holiday season!!