These tips comes from Animal Care Services.  If you plan to include your pet in the celebrations this season, make sure you take a few seconds to check these out.

 Pay attention to your companion animal. Pets are often ignored in the rush and excitement of the holidays. This can lead to mischief. 

  Unsure about how your pet will react to all the new faces in the house? Create a safe, comfortable place for your pet to relax. Make sure you put out plenty of fresh food, water and toys. 

   Play with your dog or cat at least twice a day for twenty minutes. A tired pet is  less likely to do something “off limits.” Use baby gates to cut off access to “restricted areas.                    

   Traveling with your pet during the holiday? Make sure you bring all your pet’s supplies including food, dishes, leash and collar, toys as well as any medications your pet may be need.

   Ensure your pet has some form of identification should they get lost like an engraved tag with your contact number or a microchip ID.

    If your dog will be staying with a friend, a pet sitter or at a boarding kennel during the holiday, make arrangements well in advance to avoid any last minute hassles.

    Holiday goodies should be kept away from your pet. Chocolate and raisins can actually be toxic to many animals.

    It may be tempting but don’t give your pet food off of the table. Holiday foods can be hard on your animal’s stomach and may lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

    Candies and gums with the artificial sweetener Xylitol can also be toxic to pets.

    Remember, poultry bones, including turkey, are a choking hazard.

     Giving alcohol to a pet--even a sip or two--is dangerous and could be fatal.

Think your pet may have ingested something toxic? Call the Pet Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the nearest pet emergency clinic. Check the Yellow Pages under “veterinary clinic” for one closest to you.