The end of the year is always a hectic and festive time. The last thing anyone wants is to have an accident or illness during these happy times with family or pets. Unfortunately, this can be the busiest time of the year at a veterinary emergency service.

The following tips can help you prepare for the holidays with your pets and help keep them safe and healthy (and out of the ER).

Do some planning

Just in case anything does happen, make sure you know which veterinary hospital is open after hours and on holidays in your area. Always keep these numbers posted or within reach or get their refrigerator magnet. These numbers can include: your veterinarian's phone number, the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency service phone and address, and the Pet Poison Hotline (855-764-7661).

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Make sure you have enough of all your pet's prescription medications to last you through the holidays, when your regular veterinarian may be closed. This can be medications such as insulin, needles and syringes, seizure medications, heart medications, and even tranquilizers or travel medications.

And speaking of medications, one of the most common calls to pet poison hotlines is dogs getting into human prescription or nonprescription drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, or anti- anxiety medications as well as marijuana.

When guests arrive, remind them not to leave open purses or suitcases or easy access to bags filled with drugs or medications, as dogs and cats can easily get into these and ingest the contents.

Food concerns

Family and friends often visit during the holidays, and they won't be aware of your dog's or cat's particular health issues and dietary requirements. Tell everyone eating at your home, including children, of your dog's or cat's dietary restrictions. Additionally, always ask guests not to give food to your pets that may be harmful or even toxic, such as onions, garlic, shallots, grapes or raisins and chocolate.

This also includes unbaked yeast, which can cause problems for pets (including severe gas and pain possibly leading to life-threatening "bloat") and pumpkin pie filling, which may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is also in many prepackaged baked goods, like cookies and cakes. Table scraps, especially foods containing a lot of fat or spices, are also dangerous, as are cooked poultry bones, because they can cause choking or blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.

Be sure to properly dispose of all food and keep it in well-sealed or covered garbage containers, especially when no one is present in the kitchen or dining room.

Decorations

Poinsettias, amaryllis, balsam, pine, cedar and holly are among the common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to pets that eat them.

It's important to note that all parts of most types of lilies are very toxic to cats. Homes with cats should never have lilies in them. Often, they are missed in floral arrangements or beds.

Water additives for Christmas trees can be hazardous if swallowed. Electric cords can be and often are bitten by pets, causing severe oral burns, electrocution or severe pulmonary lesions that could lead to death. Tinsel, ribbons, wreaths and hooks can cause choking or intestinal blockages. No pet should ever be left alone with a burning candle or oil lamp, as they can be knocked over, causing burns or even a house fire.

Potpourri should be placed out of reach of pets. Liquid potpourris have essential oils, which can cause severe damage and irritation to the skin, eyes, mouth and throat when in contact. Even dry potpourris have been known to cause problems when eaten.

Comfort

Make sure your pets are comfortable. Especially during holiday events, all pets should have a comfortable and quiet place to escape. If your cat or dog seems unduly stressed by company, consider placing them in a quiet, comfortable room by themselves, and check in on them every so often. They might appreciate the peace and quiet.

Additionally, make sure your pet doesn't escape out of the house, as the holidays are one of the most common times this occurs. To prevent them getting lost, make sure your pet is properly identified by having it microchipped by your veterinarian, and make sure to have any recent changes in your phone or address updated by the registration center. If it's not current, whoever finds your pet will not be able to locate you to return them to you.

Traveling with your pet

Make sure your pet is currently vaccinated, including boosters for any disease that your veterinarian or kennel/boarding facility requires, and that you have the proper documentation, such as a health certificate, well in advance of your travel date if traveling by plane. Bring the same food for your pet for at least a couple of days, and have an adequate amount of your pet's medication on hand.

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