Thanksgiving may look a little different this year, but that won’t stop your pets from trying to get into mischief this holiday season. Festive foods and holiday environments can be hazardous for pets if you aren’t careful. Follow these tips and tricks from the American Veterinary Medical Association to keep your animals safe and healthy during the holiday.

Poison risks: We know it’s tempting to show your pets some extra love during the holidays with some table scraps. However, many holiday foods can be dangerous if ingested by our four-legged friends. Fatty foods like turkey or turkey skin are difficult for a pet to digest and could cause life-threatening harm. Many common Thanksgiving foods such as onions, raisins, yeast, and grapes are also poisonous to pets. Sweet treats, especially any containing xylitol, can be deadly if consumed by animals. The best way to show love to your pet this holiday season is to buy a special treat made just for them.

Décor: If you have an overly curious furry friend, be sure to keep all breakable decorations out of reach to avoid potential injuries. Never leave a pet alone in a room with lit candles, as they could knock them over and cause a fire. Festive plants may add charm to your holiday décor, but many can be toxic to pets. Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, Lilies, Poinsettias, Pinecones, Pine needles, and more can be life-threatening in ingested. For a full list of plants that are toxic to pets, visit the ASPCA’s website.

Party precautions: Garbage can pile up quickly when hosting a party. Make sure trash is disposed of safely and securely where pets cannot pillage through it. If you have a shy or nervous pet, it may be best to put them in a crate or secluded room to reduce emotional stress during festivities. Watch exits carefully when welcoming guests in and out of your home, as your pet may try to escape and become lost. Be sure your animals have proper and up to date identification, including tags and a microchip. If you are in need of a new tag or microchipping services, contact the shelter at 805-646-6505.

Travel: In the event you are traveling with your pet this holiday, make sure they are secure using a harness or carrier to ensure a safe trip. If you are traveling out of state or internationally, you may need a health certificate from your vet to bring your pet along. Air travel can put your pets at risk, be sure to talk to your vet about your furry friend’s ability to travel. Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle for any amount of time, especially on hot days. Lastly, be sure to pack for both you and your pet. A pet travel bag should include food, any medications, medical records, and contact information in the event your pet gets lost.