When it comes to Christmas feasts and festivities, most of us know not to overindulge and if we do, we know not to do it again and again. We also know not to jam little plastic bits into Junior’s mouth and to keep him from eating the tinsel and fake snow. Do we, however, keep that close an eye on our beloved pets during this season of mirth and merriment?

As a rule, exotics (ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) should be kept away from Christmas decorations and activities. They are small and can be stepped on or kicked. They like to chew and there’s a lot more power cords available for them to sink their teeth into. Keep them in their cages, away from social functions and strictly supervise their “out time” during this period.

The Christmas holiday season, up to and through New Years, is fraught with peril for our four-legged friends. A world of tasty, fatty, unusual treats and curious (maybe tasty) decorations populate their world for a month. These things can tear through their insides and large guest lists, late party nights, and fireworks can stress pets used to more quiet and benign surroundings.

To avoid an emergency trip to your vet, all you need to do is pay a little attention to your pet’s surroundings and reactions to events. Most holiday hazards are of the edible variety. Plants, decorations, and seasonal foods can wreck havoc with your pet’s digestive system. There are lots of rich foods available that your pet would not normally eat and there are lots of people to beg this food from. Dogs especially love this. The more people, the more tasty treats available and they do play the pitiful little beggar role quite well.

Chocolate, fatty scraps, candy, bones and, even alcohol, can be toxic to your pet. What dogs will eat is only limited by your imagination. Animals play with stuff, then they try and eat it. Once dogs start to eat the tinsel, they can’t gag it back up…they just keep swallowing and it will rip through their intestinal tract like a buzz saw. It might be a good idea to keep the bottom quarter of your Christmas tree bare to keep your pet from the temptation of dangling goodies.

Even though Christmas tree lights don’t carry a lot of “juice,” a chewed cord can give a nasty burn to the mouth with the potential to develop into an infection. Paper wrapping paper isn’t bad, but foil paper is a big no-no. When gifts are unwrapped, make sure the small toys, batteries, etc., are out of chewing reach. During the excitement, you may not realise what your pet is doing.

Poinsettias pack a small punch, because their bitter taste will keep the animal from eating enough to cause sickness, but your pet will get sick if they eat enough of it. Berries and leaves from holly and mistletoe, however, can really harm your pet. Keep them away from these plants or keep the plants away from them.

When putting Rover in that cute costume, remember heat issues. If it’s a hot day and your dog has a long, thick coat, it might be wise not to keep him dressed up as little Angel or Santa too long. Get your photo opportunities then, give Rover a break and get the hot outfit off of him. A much better idea for prolonged wear is a colourful bow and ribbon as a collar or select a holiday-themed collar. This will not cause overheating and will still make your pet look quite festive without creating a choking hazard.

Excitement, new faces, loud music, fireworks…your pet will respond to these new stimuli. Even new smells will affect their behaviour. They know something is different – the natural order of things in their little world is turned upside down. Older animals, especially old cats (who aren’t deaf), do not handle the stress of loud social gatherings with lots strange people very well. They could well exhibit their distress through very messy intestinal and stomach problems. You would do well to keep your old pets feeling safe and secure, away from the pandemonium of your party.

Social animals however, may be allowed to participate in the festivities as long as your guests don’t mind an enthusiastic, hairy guest bounding about and you trust your guests not to “just a little treat” your pet to extremes. Locking these animals away in a separate room may not be wise, as these gregarious critters may tear a lot of stuff up in their frustration of being away from the action.

Just like humans, your pet should be dealt with on an individual basis. It’s up to you to decide whether your animal can be a social butterfly or is better off in a safe room away from the action and noise. It’s also up to you to “pet proof” your holiday decorations to avoid a trip to the vet. Doing these things should make Christmas and New Years happy times for you and your beloved 4-legged friends.