The holidays are a fun time for the entire family, but there are a few precautions you should take to ensure it’s a safe and happy holiday for you and your pets. In this edition of Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza takes a look at holiday pet safety.

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Christmas trees are a tradition that most of us can’t do without, but they can pose a problem for those of us with climbing cats. While you can’t watch them every second, you can make sure your tree is secure in its stand and tethered to a wall to prevent it from falling over.

If you have pets, get rid of loose tinsel. These shiny strands are irresistible to cats, ferrets and dogs. If eaten, tinsel can cause serious stomach upset or lead to a blockage and even require surgery to prevent death.

Candles are everywhere during the holidays, from the Menorah to an Advent wreath. The flickering flames draw curious creatures to them, and while they can lead to a burned nose or paw, if they are knocked over can cause a destructive fire.

Never allow a pet to chew on holly and holly berries - they are poisonous and can cause stomach upset. But other foods can be even more dangerous. No raw bread dough, no grapes (these can cause kidney failure if enough are eaten), no chocolate, nuts or sweets, and no alcohol!