The following advice will help keep your dog, cat or bird happy, healthy and safe during the hectic Holiday season.

Pet-proofing your home for the Holidays: Your pet is very curious, especially when it comes to changes in environment. Instinctively, cats, dogs, and birds will explore new objects with their mouths and beaks. So, pet safety should be an essential part of your Holiday planning.

 Christmas trees are beautiful, but require extra attention when you have a pet. when decorating the tree, hang breakable and small ornaments or tinsel out of your dog or cat's reach. Tinsel can be deadly when eaten. It can twist in your dog's intestines and cause serious problems. Don't let your dog drink the Christmas-tree water. It often contains chemicals to help the tree last longer; these chemical can cause severe indigestion in dogs.  Pine needles can cause health problems. If ingested, they can puncture holes in your pet's intestines. Regularly sweep up fallen pine needles to avoid a trip to the emergency animal clinic.  Do not place a food gift under the tree or popcorn garland on the tree, because your curious pet may claim it. Do not allow your parrot near the tree. They have been known to bite into tree light cords and electrocute themselves!

Plants, such as poinsettias, holly, amaryllis and mistletoe may make your home beautiful, but are poisonous to pets. If ingested, these plants may cause vomiting, diarrhea or more serious health problems. Keep all plants out of reach and, if a plant is consumed and your pet appears ill, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Electric candles and other windowsill decorations may tell the world it's Holiday time at your house, but could be potentially dangerous for your pet. Windowsill decorations should be secured and contain no loose or sharp parts. Tape any exposed electrical cords to the walls or floor to ensure no chewing or tripping.

When lighting the menorah, Advent wreaths or decorative candles, keep your pet in another room to avoid intrigue with the flame or place the candles out of reach. Never leave a lit candle unattended and NEVER use scented candles in the same room as your parrot. The fumes can kill them!

Keep "blowing" snow in the globe. Many snow globes contain antifreeze, which is extremely toxic to dogs so it's best to keep snow globes and all antifreeze out of the reach of a happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill of any kind, send your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to make sure your dog does not lick these harmful chemicals later.

Gift wrappings are a traditional part of the Holidays, but can be harmful to pets. Do not give your pet the opportunity to play with or eat small objects, ribbons or wrapping paper, which can cause choking, upset stomach or even more serious problems.

Table manners for pet owners: In the season of giving, pet owners may be tempted to "treat" their pet with extra food or inappropriate "people food". Do not give your dog or cat chicken, turkey or fish bones, which can lead to digestive damage. Do not give any animal or bird chocolate (contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic, and in large amounts, can cause seizures and death). And please...no alcohol or carbonated beverages (birds cannot "burp" and therefore, cannot unlodge bubbles, which can cause death).

The best treat during the Holidays is extra attention and love. However, if you want to reward your pet with food, offer a nutritious treat that complements your pet's diet (most parrots will tell you that a good treat is a french fry, but don't necessarily believe it). 
 

Common sense: If you are in doubt about something, call your vet or another pet owner. Don't take chances and if no one knows the answer to your question...just don't do it! Use your common sense, keep your pets healthy and safe and have a wonderful Holiday season!