Oh the joy of the holidays! Family, friends, food, and fun new things to watch out for with your pets. Here are just a few of the concerns we thought might be useful in the winter:

1) Food - as many of you know, the holidays include lots (and lots) of food. Beware of what your pets might try to sneak a taste of - or be given by a well meaning family member. There are many foods that can cause reactions in pets but here are a few of the really toxic ones: chocolate, raisins, grapes, raw onion, and raw garlic. Sugar and caffine are dangerous so watch for any excess of sweets as well.

2) Holiday decorations and gifts - it is fun to make the house look nice. It is also an invite for pets to try new delights; some of these items are toxic - like poinsettias - while others just need to be watched - like tinsel. Animals, especially kittens and puppies, want to play around and enjoy new toys, so count small parts before and after use. Watch ornaments that can be batted around and clean up all pieces if they break.

3) Dropping temperatures - shelther, shelter, shelther. When it gets cold pets need good, warm places to hide from the cold. Outdoor pets need someplace that will block the wind and that is up off the ground a bit. They also need to have a fresh water source that will not freeze. Dehydration is a concern even if it is not hot outside. WARNING: Cats will try to stay warm under the hoods of cars so knock the hood a few times or honk your horn once before staring up in the morning.

4) Cold weather needs - we use many products this time of year that can be harmful to our pets. Antifreeze and salt for de-icing are two culprits. Luckily the pet concerns have been heard and there are safe options out there. For de-icing you can use cat litter but it does make a mess, so do some homework and find what works best for your family.

5) Lower visbility - cats and dogs still need to get out in winter but, with it getting darker earlier, they are harder to see. As a little holiday gift, pick them up a collar that has reflective strips. Good all year around and they will look so great!

6) Maintain flea meds - many people think that winter time mean flea free time. NO! They live year around and are just making little flea eggs to hatch later, so do not let up on the flea protection.