* Supervise all candles. Not only can pets receive burns, but they can also knock candles over, causing a fire hazard.

* Place decorations high enough so pets are unable to pull off and swallow small pieces.

* Avoid tinsel, and keep decorative ribbons out of reach. If ingested, the strands can cause intestinal obstruction and choking.

* Keep seasonal plants away from pets. Many may be poisonous, like ivy, holly, mistletoe, balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir, hibiscus and poinsettias.

* Keep hot drippings out of reach to prevent burns. Don't feed cooled drippings as treats either, since they can upset pets' digestive systems.

* Don't give dogs bones, especially poultry bones, which splinter easily.They can cause internal cuts, pain and sometimes death.

* Make sure your pet is welcome when visiting friends and relatives. Amid the holiday excitement, it may be best to board pets or hire a reputable pet sitter. To find a boarding facility in your area, visit www.abka.org.

* Keep all chocolate away from pets, particularly dogs. This tasty human treat contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, restlessness and in some cases, death. If your dog accidentally eats some chocolate, consult your veterinarian immediately.

* And most of all, give your pets plenty of holiday love.

Here are some resources to contact with the Morris Animal Foundation for more information.

Robin Downing, DVM, CVA
Morris Animal Foundation Trustee
Windsor Veterinary Clinic
Phone: (970) 686-9664
http://www.windsorvet.com/Staff/DrRobin.htm

Joseph W. Bartges, DVM, Ph.D.
Morris Animal Foundation Scientific Advisory Board Chair
University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: (865) 974-8387
http://www.vet.utk.edu/faculty/bartges.shtml

Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D.
Morris Animal Foundation President & CEO
Phone: (800) 243-2345
http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org