The holiday season can be a dangerous time of year for Buddy and Fluffy, unless you take some special precautions to keep them safe from holiday hazards.

One of the major reasons for emergency visits to the vet during the holiday season is ingestion of foods and other substances.

Food, dangerous food
Some holidays foods can spell disaster for pets. Rich, fatty foods can cause stomach upset, or even predispose pets to life-threatening pancreatitis or bloating. Poultry bones can splinter and get stuck in a pet's mouth, obstruct his throat, or perforate his intestines.

Keep chocolate well out of reach. The scent of cocoa is enticing to dogs, and as little as one ounce can be fatal for a small dog (under 10 lbs.). Chocolate poisoning requires emergency medical treatment.

Alcoholic beverages, coffee and certain nuts can also present digestive and other problems for pets. Warn family members and guests not to feed your pets holiday foods and treats. Instead, have a supply of your pets' favorite treats on hand and offer them when others are enjoying all those delicious smelling holiday goodies.

Choose plants carefully
Many dogs will mouth new objects introduced to their environment and cats often chew on plants for entertainment, so poisonous holiday plants present a significant threat.

The poinsettia, though typically thought of as poisonous to pets, is fairly low in toxicity, but can cause digestive upset and irritation to a pet's mouth and stomach.

Holly berries, on the other hand, are extremely toxic when ingested. Just a few berries will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe also causes digestive system upset as well as irregular heartbeats and possibly cardiac shock. Plants like the hibiscus and those in the lily family, which are not toxic to people, may be harmful to pets, causing digestive system problems and even renal failure.

If you must have these plants in your holiday décor, choose artificial ones to protect your pets. And don't forget to check gift floral arrangements for sprays of dangerous plants.

Don't drink the water
The water in the stand under the Christmas tree also presents an unexpected threat, because some pets will ingest it.

Preservatives in the water can be toxic to pets. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. If your think your pet is likely to try to drink tree water, it's a good idea to cover the tree holder to keep your pet away.

Other decorations, like snow sprays and snow flock are also toxic. Gifts and toys can present a poisoning, as well as choking, hazard. Be sure plastic model cement, epoxy, crayons and paints are out of reach when not in use.

Even some wrapping papers may contain lead, which can be hazardous to your pet's health if ingested.

Other holiday hazards
Liquid potpourris are a popular household fragrance commonly used during the holiday season. Pets can be exposed either by direct ingestion from simmer pots or by spills. Exposure to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.

Fireplace colors and salts, Styrofoam, tinsel, angel hair and other tree decorations can also be toxic if ingested, cause skin or eye irritation, or cause intestinal obstructions.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

Despite your best efforts, your pet may ingest something toxic. Be prepared. Keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 4 ANI-HELP in a convenient location.

For more information on keeping your pet safe during the holiday season, visit the ASPCA's website at http://www.aspca.org or the American Animal Hospital Association's website at http://www.healthypet.com.