Tips to keep your pet safe and healthy during the holidays

1. Keep the trash can tightly closed so your pets can't get into your holiday cooking scraps. Holiday scraps can be especially dangerous because of the bones, chocolate bits, and extra fatty content.

2. Keep your pet in a safe area when you are cooking. Make sure they don't walk on a hot stove, warming tray or open oven door.

3. Ask your visitors not to disturb pets who are in their private space.

4. Ask your guests to be careful with the garbage and keep scraps well out of reach of your pets.

5. Ask your visitors to monitor their children. It doesn't matter how well behaved Fido is, he might bite when startled or chased by little ones.

6. Ask your guests not to feed your pets without asking you first to avoid an emergency trip to the vet with an overfed pet.

7. For a big party lasting a few hours, consider keeping your pets in a safe & quiet place away from guests.

8. Let your allergy-prone guests know in advance no amount of cleaning will make your home completely allergen-free. They should bring allergy medicine just in case.

9. Ask your guests not to bring their own pets. If it's unavoidable, try to set out a spare room to keep the pet visitor and your own pet safe.

10. As you wrap the presents over the holidays, remember to put away all the wrappings, strings, & ribbons away at the end of each night. Keep them away from the curious pets (and out of their tummies!)

11. Clean up the counter as soon as you are done baking and cooking so chocolate chips, flour, dough doesn't get into your pets tummies.

12. keep the holiday plants and flowers (Amaryllis, poinsettias, holly plants) secure and well out of reach of your pets. 
13. Don't leave nibbles like nuts or candy on low tables. Keep these temptations away from your pets. 14. If you plan to use candles or other fragrance products to make your home smell nice for your guests, be careful of any open flame or hot oils, essential oils or potpourri that your pet might get into.15. Broken glass ornaments and pets’ paws don’t mix. Opt for shatterproof plastic decorations when possible.16. Secure the lights, cords, and wires so your pets don't trip over them. Keep an eye on your curious puppy who might want to chew on the extra cords lying around.