As the holidays approach many of us celebrate with giving gifts, decorating, and indulging in seasonal treats. As members of our families, our pets love to be included in all the excitement. But holiday plants, foods, and gifts can all be hazards to our pets. With just a few simple precautions and awareness of dangers, we can ensure everyone celebrates safely.

Holiday plants such as mistletoe and holly are poisonous to pets. They can cause nausea, diarrhea, and kidney failure in cats. They should always be kept out of reach of any animal. Artificial plants can look just as pretty, last for several years, and won’t hurt our furry friends. Artificial Christmas trees, however, can be hazardous especially if you have cats that like to climb. They can tip over and cause injury, so real and faux trees should always be secured with an anchor to the nearest wall. Additionally, stagnant tree water contains bacteria so any tree stands should be covered to avoid curious pets taking a sip.

As much as everyone enjoys looking at beautiful holiday decorations, some can be very dangerous to pets. Tinsel is especially hazardous since animals, especially cats, love how it sparkles. However, if they eat the pretty strings, it can cause digestive obstructions leading to vomiting, dehydration, and even potential surgery. It’s best to skip tinsel altogether. Candles are another often overlooked holiday pet hazard. Curious pets can knock over an unattended flame and set themselves, or your home, on fire. Candles should always be placed on a secure flat surface in proper holders and should always be extinguished when you leave the room. Finally, many pets, especially kittens and puppies, love to chew. So, keep wires, battery boxes, and ornaments out of reach.

Most of us indulge in a few extra treats around the holidays and we often want to indulge our pets as well. Remember, though, human treats are often dangerous for animals. Chocolate and sweeteners like xylitol are poison and need to be kept far away from any pet. It can be tempting to put out plates of leftovers, but excessive fats and spices can cause digestive upset and bones (especially poultry bones) can splinter and cause serious injury. Finally, never leave alcoholic drinks lying around. Their sweet smell can attract an unsuspecting pet, but the alcohol can lead to coma and death.

All of these rules may make it sound like you cannot enjoy the holidays with your pet but that simply is not the case. Pet friendly decorations and treats are widely available and selecting a special gift for our little friends is a lot of fun. Dogs generally love tennis balls, rope toys, and “busy boxes” which keep them occupied and allow them to practice their chewing skills. As an added bonus, having a variety of toys available helps dogs to fight boredom and anxiety. Cats love small balls or toy mice with bells inside that can be batted about while making entertaining sounds. Toy mice, fish, or small stuffed animals can all be stuffed or sprinkled with cat nip to provide a little extra excitement.

The best gift you can give your pet is a healthy, loving home. Don’t forget to make time for them during the busy holiday season. Holiday décor, excited children, and a revolving door of guests can be very stressful. Remember to take some time each day to give your pets special attention and a favorite treat.