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 The holidays are a stressful time, keep in mind your pet senses your mood and can be affected by the holidays just like you. They may not be worrying about buying the perfect gift for everyone or making it early to a store sale so they can get good parking and not have to wait in long lines, but they do feel your stress and can sense if you're tense, sad, angry or even frustrated. The best thing to do is to relax and make you're home a stress free zone. If your work schedule changes try to keep their daily routine unchanged like their feedings and walks, if possible; dogs will know if you are late and may release their energy in different ways, some bark continuously while others may scratch themselves and or objects around them. Just take a deep breath and show your pet plenty of love and attention. Now here are a few safety tips.

No table scraps! Just because we humans like to indulge in the feast does not mean it is good for our dogs. Rich, fatty foods can seriously upset your dog's stomach and even be toxic.

Watch the holiday decorations! Most dogs are curious by nature, so they will want to check out any additions to the decor. Sniffing can lead to chewing, or even ingestion of foreign objects. Keep electrical cords tucked away and other decorations or holiday plants out of reach, remember almost all Christmas plants are thought to be poisonous: holly, mistletoe, ivy, Christmas cactus, and poinsettias. Watch out for dangling objects that can be pulled down and cause injury. Candles should never be left unattended. Also, if you have a Christmas tree, don't let your dog drink the tree water - it can make them sick.

Crowds can be scary! Holiday parties and gatherings can mean lots of commotion. This might be fun for you, but it can be an overwhelming amount of stimulation for your dog. Too many people in your home can result in injury or stress for your dog. A large crowd is not the best place for most dogs, so consider keeping them in a crate or quiet room - especially if they are the nervous type. If they are comfortable around a smaller group, just make sure you set down the ground rules with your company: don't feed the dog and keep the doors closed! Many pets get loose and run off during the holiday season. Though your dog should always wear a collar with current identification, this is especially important during the holiday season.

Keep these tips in mind and have a happy and safe holiday season!