We all love the holidays, we love the food, the lights, the cozy chaos of family gathering around, but while we’re busy celebrating, our pets are experiencing a totally different world. Full of strange smells, flashy distractions, and sudden loud noises. It’s easy for a fun family gathering to turn into an unexpected trip to the vet if we aren’t careful.

a few simple ways to look out for your four-legged best friends this season:

Keep the Thanksgiving Feast on the Table

That turkey leg might look like the ultimate treat for your dog, but cooked bones are actually super dangerous. They splinter easily when chewed, which can cause sharp tears or painful blockages in their stomach. Other Toxic foods that are around on the holidays include chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, chives, and alcohol. As tempting as those big puppy dog eyes are, stick to pet safe treats and keep the table scraps out of reach.

Watch Out for Tempting Christmas Decor

If you have a cat or a playful pup, a decorated tree is basically a giant, shiny playground for them. Tinsel, curling ribbons, and low glass ornaments are irresistible, but swallowing them can cause severe digestive problems. Try hanging your delicate ornaments higher up, skip the tinsel if your pets are extra curious, and keep an eye on them when they’re hanging out near the tree.

Give Them a Quiet Sanctuary on New Year’s Eve

Fireworks and loud midnight countdowns might be exciting for us, but for pets, sudden loud booms can be downright terrifying. It’s actually one of the most common nights for stressed pets to bolt out open doors and get lost.

What’s the best fix? Set up a quiet, cozy room inside with their favorite blanket, a comfort toy, and some soft background music to drown out the noise.

Our pets give us so much love all year long. With just a little extra care, we can make sure the holidays are safe and fun for every single member of the family!

-Shelton B.