1. Fatty Foods:  Too many fatty, rich, or unfamiliar foods can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis; two medical conditions that can be very painful and even life-threatening

2. Diet and Exercise:  Maintain your pet's regular meal and exercise schedule and avoid too many holiday leftovers. A disruption in his or her dietary routine can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and/or vomiting

3. Bones:  Make no bones about it. Certain bones can lacerate or obstruct your pets' insides. Save the bones for the broth - not your dog

4. Onions:  Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing and used as a general seasoning, will destroy your dog or cat's red blood cells, which can lead to anemia

5. Grapes and Raisins:  Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage to both dogs and cats

6. Chocolate:  Chocolate can actually be fatal to your dog or cat; so all those sweets must be kept well out of reach

7. Food Wrappings:  Aluminum foil, wax paper and other food wrappings can cause intestinal obstruction. Make sure to place these items securely in the garbage

8. Fresh Water:  Make sure your pet always has fresh water. When there are more people in the house, there's more chance to bump into the water bowl leaving your pet dry

9. Quiet Time:  Make sure your pets have a quiet retreat should the holiday festivities be too much for them. Watch their behavior to make sure they are not stressed

10. Garbage:  Keep an eye on the garbage and keep it securely fastened! If your dogs or cats get into it, they may think they have hit the jackpot, but all they'll be winning is health problems from something as simple as gastric disturbance, vomiting and diarrhea to the worst-case scenario - death

11. ID Tags:  An open door may be an invitation for your pet to bolt.  Make sure all pets have a current ID tag & collar so you can be quickly reunited.  The San Diego County Department of Animal Services offers a $20 microchip clinic, with national registration, every Thursday, from 1 to 3 p.m., at all three of its animal shelters    www.sddac.com

12. Trees, Candles & Decorations:  Secure your tree to a wall or tabletop so it can't fall and cause injuries to you or your pets.  Be careful of lit candles (or use battery-powered ones) and make sure your dog or cat doesn't chew or ingest decorations or wrapping paper & ribbon