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The following are tips to ensure your pets have a happy, healthy Christmas and New Year.

1. Pets can become overexcited, confused, stressed and frightened by the constant flow of holiday visitors. Offer your pet a safe, quiet retreat spot away from guests, especially young children. Let folks know the designated space is off-limits to ensure your pet is not surprised or bothered by someone unknown.

2. Chocolate, coffee and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthines, which can cause nervous or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Chocolate with theobromine is especially problematic because many dogs love the taste. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge and other candy should be put out of your pet's reach.

3. Don't place alcoholic drinks in reach of pets. If ingested, alcohol can cause your pet to become ill and possibly go into a coma. Every year hundreds of pets die after consuming alcohol.

4. Cats and kittens are especially attracted to stringy, shiny tinsel, but if they eat it, the strands can easily get caught and tear their intestines. Ribbons, yarn and string can cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Ribbons around your pet's neck may look cute, but can be dangerous.

5. Many of the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to pets. If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea. Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and as well as an upset stomach. Place plants well out of your pet's reach or use imitation holiday plants. Visit www.aspca.org for details.

6. Fatty foods such as traditional holiday foods including turkey, ham, gravy and drippings can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis in some pets. Bones from meat and poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even a small cooked bone can splinter and cause tearing throughout the intestinal tract.

7. Additional potentially toxic foods include onions, grapes and raisins and macadamia nuts. Onions can cause anemia, grapes and raisins can lead to renal failure and macadamia nuts can cause muscle tremors and hyperthermia.

8. Dogs with wagging tails and cats who like to climb can easily knock over your Christmas tree. Place trees in a stable stand and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fish line.

9. Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock to death by electrocution. Some larger lights can become quite hot and could also cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when you are not home and use pet-proof extension cords if possible.

10. Both dogs and cats will often play with glass ornaments as if they were toy balls and serious oral lacerations can result. Sharp ornament hooks can also become imbedded in your pet's mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that are shiny or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree.

11. Always ensure your pet is wearing current, visible identification. With the more frequent comings-and-goings, it's easy for your pet to slip out of the house when opening the door for holiday visitors or bringing in gifts from a shopping excursion.

12. Giving pets as Christmas gifts is an unwise idea. Pets are for life, not just for Christmas and many of them end up unwanted or neglected. If someone is thinking about getting a new pet, give the prospective adopter a variety of toys, treats, food, books, bowls and/or pet supply certificate. That way, the family can choose their own pet in their own time and make an educated, well-researched decision.