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Certain items around your house may be hazardous to your pet during the holidays. Please help reduce the potential risks.

Chocolate - Any chocolate is off-limits for pets. Baker's chocolate is the most toxic. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to pets.

The Tree - Curious dogs may sniff and paw and pull the tree over on themselves. Cats like to get up and try out this strange indoor tree. Secure the top of the tree with wire then run it up to the ceiling or the wall and secure it. Keep your pets from drinking any tree preservative as it can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Seasonal Plants - Poinsettias will cause gastrointestinal problems. Other problematic holiday plants to keep out of reach re Christmas cactus, mistletoe, holly, cedar, balsam, and pine.

Table Scraps - Rich, fatty foods can result in life-threatening pancreatitis. Anything salty, spicy or greasy qualifies. Bones from chicken or turkey can splinter in the stomach. Keep table scraps out of reach, and be sure the garbage isn't accessible to your pet.

Ornaments - Tinsel can be too fascinating for a cat to pass up as a snack. Small decorations hanging low on the tree can be gobbled by both dogs and cats, and intestinal blockage can result.

Holiday Cheer - Slipping a dog, cat or other pet alcoholic beverages to see how they act when inebriated isn't funny, and is very dangerous causing vomiting, diarrhea and alcohol poisoning.

Dangerous Foods - Coffee grounds, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are hazardous. Xylitol (found in chewing gum, mints, candy and in some baked goods) is associated with liver failure.

Escape Artists - Guests may not be used to keeping track of pets and if someone leaves the door open, out they go. Besides alerting guests, make sure you have a way of finding your pet (ie: microchip and/or ID tag with your contact info).

Aluminum Foil - Crumpled up, with food sticking to it, aluminum foil can be irresistible to a pet. If swallowed, though, it can cause puncture wounds in the gastrointestinal tract.

WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY