Pets are also at risk this time of year. According to the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, some of the top reasons pets go to the animal ER during the holidays include:

Gastrointestinal emergencies. Pets could accidentally ingest rich or toxic foods during the holidays, like chocolate or gravy. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis. Overfeeding can cause painful and even life-threatening bloat, while ingestion of bones can cause irritation and might lead to an obstruction.
Holiday lighting. Puppies and kittens often try to chew on electrical cords, which can lead to burns and electrocution.
Ornaments. Broken ornaments or pieces can be very dangerous if eaten and can also lead to cuts and wounds.
Ribbon and tinsel. Cats and dogs may try to eat tinsel and ribbons on packages, but this can lead to intestinal problems and sometimes obstructions, which require surgery.
Alcohol. Pets can develop vomiting and diarrhea if they accidentally ingest alcohol. Other items can also contain alcohol, like rum cakes and raw bread dough. Raw bread dough can lead to severe bloating.
Candles and potpourri. Pets can knock over candles and liquid potpourri, leading to burns and skin irritation. Solid potpourri can be toxic and cause intestinal blockages if ingested.

To keep both kids and pets safe during the holidays, the Air Force Safety Center recommends the following tips:

Both kids and pets can put ornaments and other small decorations in their mouth. Keep these items—and tinsel—out of reach.
Avoid decorating with mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies and holly berries, all of which are toxic to kids and pets.
Make sure children and pets don’t have access to open trash cans and table scraps, so they don’t eat things they shouldn’t.
Keep children and pets away from cooking areas. Use back burners as much as possible and turn pot handles inward.
Keep pets and kids away from fires and open flames, like holiday candles.
If you have a Christmas tree, make sure kids and pets can’t drink the water from the stand or eat fallen pine needles.

See also:

Special Reports /

How to keep kids, pets safe during the holidays