Shelley Mamott, Staff Writer

The holidays are quickly approaching and of course we want to share the joy of the holiday season with our fur babies.

As we prepare for all the festivities, pet owners should consider holiday pet safety.

Here are some important things to remember during your celebration to avoid potential problems.

Even though we like to think we are giving our dogs a special treat, it is best not to give them table scraps. A dog does not digest food the same as we do. Human food can sometimes be too rich, spicy or even toxic.

It is especially important to avoid giving your dog these foods:

1. Bones

Bones are bad for animals. They can splinter, or lodge in their mouth or throat. Dogs are omnivores, not carnivores and cannot tolerate them. Chicken, beef and pork bones are all equally as bad. Opt for a milk bone or nylabone instead.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate can be lethal to dogs because it contains theobromine which causes increased heart rate, central nervous system stimulation and constriction of arteries. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous because it contains the highest amount of theobromine. A potential lethal dose is only one pound of chocolate in a 16-pound dog. If you think your dog has ingested chocolate you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol is also very bad for animals and it doesn’t take much to intoxicate a pet. Animals will stagger and bump into things, hurting themselves. In high doses, alcohol can be fatal in dogs.

4. Milk

Milk is also not good for animals because many of them are lactose intolerant. Pets often lack the enzyme that is required to break down the sugar in milk and this can cause them to develop gastrointestinal problems. Even though they may like it, it is a good idea to avoid giving your pets milk.

5. Salty Meats

Salty meats and foods are very dangerous to pets. They are high in fat and also very salty which can cause a stomach ache or pancreatitis. Please do not give ham and salty foods to your pets.

6. Onions

Onions can cause anemia in pets and can be fatal. The best thing to do if your pet ingests onions is to get them to the vet right away.

7. Grapes and Raisins

The latest study has found that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets. Small dogs can also choke on grapes if they get a hold of them.

Other Dangers To Consider

1. Watch the dogs around your decorations and gifts. Dogs will naturally be curious about gifts coming into your home and sniff them. While sniffing is not a problem, chewing and eating the decorations or ribbons is.

2. Keep electrical cords and ornaments away from your dog. Some dogs are chewers and cords tend to be something they enjoy chewing on; not to mention those dangling ornaments.

3. Candles are always a nice touch during Christmas. They bring warmth and pleasant aroma to your home, but make sure they are away from your dog’s tail and play area.

4. If you have a live Christmas tree, don’t let the dog drink the water from the base. It can actually make your pet sick.

5. Be careful with holiday plants. Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and lilies can be poisonous to your dog or cat.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season for you and you pets!