'Tis the season for merriment, which usually includes tasty meals and a cocktail or two.  Remember Fido and Kitty when traveling to friends or family with your pets; and when guests travel to your home and meet your four legged companions for the first time.  According to a survey by the Humane Society of the United States, nearly 164 million people in the United States own pets. This means that approximately 62 percent of all households are home to at least one pet.  Since this is over half of us here in the U.S., we are sharing a few tips to keep in mind for your furry family member this time of year (and all year).

DO give your pets -

• Plain green beans cooked or raw. No butter.
• Plain potatoes, white or sweet potatoes
• Plain white meat turkey in small amounts, NO gravy
• Unsweetened canned pumpkin (my golden loves this)

DO NOT give your pets-

• Animal bones
• Garlic
• Raisins or grapes
• Avocado
• Onions
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts or walnuts
• Fatty foods
• Bones
• Skin
• Sugar & artificial sweeteners -
• No Christmas cookies or fruitcake
• Alcohol (okay, who really does this?)

Remember ... 

FLOWERS/PLANTS- Some can be fatal, others can cause serious illness or internal injury. (poinsettias, lilies, holly, mistletoe, roses etc…) Cover the water pan under the Christmas tree and secure it to avoid it getting knocked over.

CHOCOLATE- Chocolate and cocoa are highly toxic to cats and dogs.

CANDY- Some candy or other sweets are made with Xylitol. This is toxic to pets and cause hypoglycemia.

DECORATIONS- Ornaments, tape, ribbon, bows, wrapping paper, tinsel, garland, can all pose a threat as choking hazards. Dispose of them promptly before your pet gets a hold of them.

ELECTRICAL CORDS OR LIGHTS- If chewed these can cause burns in or around a pets mouth, difficulty breathing seizures or cardiac arrest.

COCKTAILS- ALCOHOL-Even a small amount can cause illness, or even coma or death to your pet. Keep out of reach and wipe up any spills immediately.

CANDLELIGHT- Curious kitties and waging tails can cause injury to your pet and a fire safety hazard to your home and everything in it. Never leave an open flame unattended. Keep pets away from those menorahs!

Thank you to Riverside Animal Hospital in Coral Springs, Florida for this great information!