You’d better watch out for those hidden holiday hazards

Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year!

But it can also be the most dangerous, too.

So before you put the finishing touches on your décor, wrap those extra gifts and start cooking up a storm, there’s another list you need to make to keep your holidays merry and bright.

…And check it twice

From family get-togethers and lovingly wrapped gifts, to the cat in the Christmas tree and house fires, it seems that the holidays can be the best of times — and the worst.

And if a dog or kitty (or both) are part of your family circle, there are some extra precautions you need to think about. And that’s especially true of pups (like mine!) who always want to get into the act.

So here are three of the top, often overlooked holiday dangers where our pets are concerned:

#1: A holly jolly Christmas: For anyone with pets, that’s best just heard on the radio. Many kinds of holiday plants, holly included, are toxic to Fido and Fluffy. That includes mistletoe, holly berries and lilies like amaryllis (which can be deadly). Poinsettia plants are mildly toxic, but can still cause a big time tummy upset.

#2: All tied up: For cats, and especially kittens, ribbon and strings are like a matchbook in the hands of a toddler. Cats love to eat them, and that could mean the need for emergency surgery to untangle it from their insides. Pick up and put away all ribbon and ties so your kitty isn’t tempted.

#3: Dangerous toys: Dogs and cat toys don’t mix. What’s perfectly safe for a feline can turn into a life-threatening choking hazard for your pup. Particularly those squishy kitty toys that most any dog could fit in their mouth. Also be careful not to let Fido eat any of those tiny round batteries that come with scores of electronic gadgets these days.

And if you’ve brought a new puppy or kitten home for the holidays, I know, everyone will want to see and play with them. But the best thing you can do is to set them up in a safe, quiet location until all the excitement is over.

Even if you don’t have a pet at home, however, don’t let your guard down. Because as reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of Americans need emergency care every Christmas for things like:

• Packaging predicaments: So you just unwrapped that perfect (fill in the blank). Now comes the task of opening the packaging. And yes, stabbing the plastic shell that gift is contained in with a pen, screwdriver or knife can be dangerous.
• A killer buffet: Preparing food safely isn’t just for the holidays. But since you’re probably cooking more during the next few days than you have all year, it’s much easier to make a tiny slip that you’d never do ordinarily.

  So be sure to think about the CDC’s four basic steps of food safety while you dash around the kitchen: Clean – wash your hands well before and after handling food. Separate – make sure not to mix surfaces that raw meat and poultry touch with other foods. Cook – that turkey, casserole or roast must be cooked thoroughly or you and your guests can risk some serious foodborne illnesses.* And Chill – don’t let food stand out on the table for more than two hours. Any custard dishes, nogs or other egg concoctions should be always kept chilled.

• Out-of-control fires: While settling down in front of a fire may be a winter tradition, tragically, house fires are also common holiday events. Unattended candles, Christmas trees that catch fire and overloaded electrical outlets cause many people’s holidays to turn deadly every year.

So here’s to laughter, good cheer and safe tidings to you and your loved ones.

And one more thing – please don’t eat all of Santa’s cookies again this year!