• Tip #1: Anchor your Christmas tree.
    1. Secure your Christmas tree by screwing a hook into the wall or ceiling and running string or fishing line around the tree trunk and fastened to the hook.

      This will anchor your tree and prevent it from being tipped or pulled over by a curious cat or a rowdy dog.

      It will also keep water at the base of the tree from spilling. Stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria and isn't something your pet should be drinking, so make sure it isn't easily accessible.
  • Tip #2: Safeguard electrical cords and wires.
    1. Place electrical cords, wires and batteries out of your pet's reach to prevent a potentially deadly electrical shock or burns from a punctured battery.
  • Tip #3: Use only pet-safe tree decorations.
    1. Especially if you have a kitty in the house, skip the tinsel. It's a real temptation for cats because it's sparkly and fun to bat around. But ingestion of tinsel can obstruct your pet's GI tract and bring on vomiting. Vomiting causes dehydration. And if the situation is dire, surgery could be required to remove the tangle of tinsel inside your pet and repair any damage.

      Also avoid breakable tree ornaments. Glass shards can injure pet paws, mouths, and can be very dangerous if swallowed.
  • Tip #4: Never leave lit candles unattended.
    1. Candles are very popular holiday decor, but make sure to extinguish any that are burning when you leave the room, even for a short time. Use appropriate holders to prevent candles from being knocked over by curious pets.

      Take care when using scented candles -- especially the food-scented variety -- that the smell doesn't encourage your dog or cat to sample the goods. Candle wax isn't species-appropriate nutrition for your pet!
  • Tip #5: Keep holiday sweets away from
    your pet.
    1. Pets and sweets don't mix, so make sure your dog or cat has zero access to holiday goodies like candy, cookies, chocolate and other sugary foods, including any food that is artificially sweetened.

      And to be on the very safe side, also prevent your pet from counter surfing in the kitchen, sniffing the table at mealtime, or nosing around in the garbage. Believe it or not, there's a long list of people foods that are toxic to pets, so don't take the chance.
  • Tip #6: Skip the open bar.
    1. Beverages should also be kept out of your pet's reach. Beer, wine and liquor can make your dog or cat quite ill, and can even be life threatening.
  • Tip #7: Keep your pet a safe distance
    from guests who are drinking.
    1. It's also a good idea to keep pets separated from tipsy guests. So if the party is getting lively, it's your cue to tuck your four-legged family member away in a safe, quiet location in the house.
  • Tip #8: Make sure your pet has a rest area.
    1. Provide your pet with a quiet place to retreat during holiday festivities. Dogs and especially cats get overwhelmed and over-stimulated just like kids do. Make sure your companion has her own out-of-the-way spot stocked with fresh water, a few treats and toys, and comfy bedding to snuggle up in.

      New Year's celebrations can be a special problem for pets, so keep yours a safe distance from confetti, streamers, noisemakers and other dangers.
  • Tip #9: Resist the irresistible.
    1. Those cute and colorful pet toys and stocking stuffers that show up in stores this time of year are hard to pass up. No matter how adorable that stuffed dog toy is, chances are some part of it will wind up inside your pooch. Stick with safe, healthy dog gifts like all-natural dental bones, yummy high-protein treats, and stimulating puzzle toys.

      If there's a cat on your Christmas gift list, go for toys that stimulate his hunting instincts... or how about a new scratching surface? You can also consider a toy that allows you to interact with him and gives him some exercise at the same time, like a laser beam toy or a feather teaser like Da Bird.
  • Tip #10: Choose live holiday plants with
    extreme care.
    1. Did you know many holiday plants and flowers are highly toxic for dogs and cats? Holly is one. So are many varieties of the lily. Mistletoe is a no-no, as are poinsettias. To be super safe, take a pass on live holiday plants and opt for silk or plastic greenery instead.

      There's a wonderful online resource provided by the ASPCA where you can reference a very comprehensive list of which plants are poisonous to your beloved companion animals and which are safe to have around your home and yard.

      If you suspect your dog or cat has ingested a poison and you have questions or need guidance, you can call the ASPCA's Poison Control Center hotline at 1-888-426-4435. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.