SCHAUMBURG, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 11/30/12 -- Food, family, friends and celebration. It's holiday time! But, how do our pets handle it? Some of the simple things we take part in over the holidays can often be hazardous to our pets' health, from food to decorations.

"There are ten common hazards that pet owners should be aware of at this time of year," says Doctor Doug Aspros, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "If you keep these at the top of your mind and away from pet, everyone will enjoy the holidays free from trips to the emergency clinic."

10) Table scraps: Mother was right; don't feed the dog under the table.
9) Candy: There are a number of things about candy that are bad for pets, but among the worst is the wrapper.
8) Decorative injuries: The decorations you set up around the house may look great, but they could be a source of injury for your pets.
7) Tasty decorations: Some decorations are so pretty that they look good enough to eat.
6) Flowers and plants: Many times we put out new plants, flowers or trimmings, depending on the holiday, and these can be poisonous and deadly.
5) Sugar-free snacks: Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener in baked goods and sugar-free gum and candy. It's also poisonous for dogs.
4) Chocolate: Chocolate is a big part of many holiday celebrations, but not for pets.
3) Guests: Many pets can become downright panicked when faced with a lot of new visitors.
2) Candles: A lit candle can provide a real hazard.
1) Pets as presents: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against giving pets as presents, because the recipient doesn't have the opportunity to have an active role in selecting the animal.

For more holiday pet safety tips, visit www.avma.org.

About AVMA

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), established in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 82,500 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services. Structured to work for its members, the AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession.

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