‘Tis the season to indulge in lots of delicious food and drink that we rarely have on our tables any other time of the year. We’re talking about baked goods, candies, chocolates, cocktails and more. And although enjoying some of these treats may not wreak havoc to your New Year’s resolution diet, even a pea-size amount could cause poisoning to your little cats and dogs.

1. Chocolate

It is one of the holiday indulgences we love the most, but chocolates can be detrimental for cats and dogs. Darker chocolates are more toxic than the white variety. The toxic ingredients in chocolates that can cause seizure to pets include theobromine and caffeine.

2. Macadamia Nuts

These nuts may look harmless, but they can be poisonous to dogs that get to devour a bowl of them or swipe a cookie containing some of them. Signs of poisoning due to nuts are vomiting, weakness, depression, lack of coordination, joint stiffness and tremors.

3. Fruitcake

A holiday is a staple holiday treat and gift. Although delicious, the ingredients are actually extremely dangerous for pets. Raisings and grapes are linked to the development of kidney failure in dogs that have eaten them. If preparing fruitcakes or other dishes with these ingredients, be extra cautious when your dog is around to ensure they don’t ingest anything that’s harmful to them.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol taste is pleasing for most dogs, but no type of alcohol is good for them. When ingested, even in small amounts, it can cause life-threatening toxicity. Alcohols, especially beers, can cause vomiting, elevated body temperature, palpitations, and in worst cases death. Never share your adult drink with your dog, and you will avoid losing the furry member of the family.

5. Coffee and Tea

If you’re expecting friends for an after-dinner coffee, make sure to keep your pets away from the group and don’t leave your coffee anywhere that your pets could take a sip of it. The caffeine content in coffee is quite high and can prompt abnormal heart rhythm, seizure and even death. Other caffeinated beverages, such as teas, can cause the same effect.

6. Ham or Turkey Skin

Ham and turkey are staples at every holiday feast. But did you know that the outermost layer of your turkey and ham can be harmful to your pooch? The skin absorbs the most amounts of spices, marinades, oils and butter that were used to cook the meat, and all of them are very hard for your dog’s body to digest. Moreover, the high fat content in meat skin can cause pancreatitis in animals.

If, despite taking all the necessary precautions, your dog gets into mischief and ingests any of these foods, the first thing to do is contact your pet’s veterinarian. The earlier your dog gets treated, the easier and more successful the treatment will be.

Playing around with our pets is one of the things that most of us probably love to do. It doesn’t just serve as a great bonding time with them, but also a good way to give them the kind of exercise they need. However, the place where we often play with our pet may not be safe enough for them, as our yards could have some hidden dangers that can affect our pet’s health.

To keep your pet safe, here is a list of the deadly hazards that could be lurking in the corners of your yard.

1. Slug and Snail Baits. One of the hazards that you might find in your yard are slug and snail baits. What makes these baits dangerous is that it contains metaldehyde that could cause toxicity. Experts recommend following the label directions of the baits before using it, especially if your pets can freely run around your backyard. If you want, you can also go for a natural pest solution like laying some salt or copper wires around your backyard.

2. Cocoa Mulch. Similar with chocolate, cocoa mulch also contain methylxanthines that can cause heart problems in animals. So do check if there are any cocoa mulch present in your yard before letting your pets run around the place.

3. Poisonous Plants. While they may not look like it, some plants are actually deadly for animals. Some of the common poisonous plants are azaleas, yews, castor and poison hemlock. Vets suggest that you become familiar with the plants in your yard and if they are toxic for your pets. In case you have such plants, make sure that you block them off or remove them.

4. Fruit Trees. Other than plants, fruit trees can also deal a deadly damage to your pets. Fruit trees usually have fallen fruits, and when not quickly cleared away, moulds will start to grow on it and if that fruit is ingested by your pet, he might suffer seizures and tremors.

5. Cats and dogs are experts when it comes to escaping enclosures. So make sure that you inspect your fences for any holes that may let your pet to escape, or allow wild creatures in your yard. Check for possibilities of holes under your fences as well.

6. Backyard Pools. Pools are quite dangerous for pets as well, because other than drowning, pool water also contains chemicals that are not intended for drinking. A covered pool can also pose some danger for your pet, as the animal can slip underneath the cover and get tangled in the ties and straps, leading to drowning.

Playing with your pets is one of the best stress relievers that you can have. So, keep your pets healthy and safe from any hazards in your backyard by clearing out all the aforementioned death-traps from your backyard.