The holidays are a time of celebration, joy, and much-deserved overindulgence. However, all of the merrymaking could be putting your pet in harm's way. Whether it's through the foods, decorations, or festivities associated with the Christmas and New Year's seasons, it could cause BIG problems for your pets.

Here's a list of holiday hazards and tips on keeping pets safe this Christmas.

CHOCOLATE

'Tis the season for over-indulgence. But, you must ensure it remains out of reach of some curious little (or big) pet paws.

We all know how dangerous chocolate can be for animals. It can cause muscle tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures and even heart failure.

So keep your sweets stashed somewhere the most incredible pet nose won't detect.

ALCOHOL

We know an uncle or two who LOVE smothering sausages with beer or other alcoholic beverages for your Christmas BBQ celebrations. This is fine until your pet receives some of the dinner scraps. Combine that with a few spilled drinks, an eggnog cup popped down and gulped up, or the one family member who thinks it's hilarious to offer the animals their holiday beverages.

Pets aren't immune to the effects of alcohol and, like people, can get drunk. However, while alcohol relaxes adults and offers a more celebrative atmosphere, it is highly toxic to animals. It can cause dangerously low blood pressure, leading to tremors, seizures, comas and, unfortunately, in some cases, even death.

GARLIC & ONIONS

It's common knowledge that garlic and onions are dangerous for animals. However, when you add a couple of festive drinks and have a few 'bring a plate' events where you're not sure of the ingredients, this can go downhill very fast.

Ensure you keep all forms of onion and garlic far, far out of reach of your pet. In the event that your pet does digest some, head straight to the vet.

MISTLETOE

If you're a pet parent, opting for fake mistletoe over the traditional plant is best. This popular Christmas decoration can cause devastating digestive and stomach problems for your pets.

CANDLES

This should be obvious, but candles must be kept away from pets. The flame from a burning candle is hazardous for dogs and cats, but the festive scents may also confuse your pet, tempting them to take a bite.

VISITORS

According to an article written on petmd.com, 'We always talk about grandma's purse being one of the most dangerous things in the house for pets. It can contain items like medications, sugar-free gum, and over-the-counter pain meds, all of which can be bad news for pets.'

It's a great idea to ask visitors not to leave their belongings in places our furry family members might be tempted to explore. Keep bags zipped and doors closed, and express your concerns with them so they can be respectful of your home and all of its occupants.

STRING DECORATIONS

String decorations such as tinsel, ribbons, and garlands need to be placed where animals aren't tempted to play with or chew on them. If any of these are ingested, they can lead to various stomach problems and potentially cut through our pets' digestive tract.

MEAT BONES

Dogs might love chewing on a big bone, but cooked meat bones can splinter, potentially causing blockages or dangerous cuts in their digestive tract.

It's best not to risk it and send any leftovers to the trash. Offer your pet a treat you know is safe if they're giving you those puppy eyes.

Keeping our pets safe over the holiday takes a little extra thought, but ensuring they stay happy and healthy is well worth it. From tempting treats to festive decor, plenty of potential holiday hazards can easily be avoided with some planning and awareness.

Happy Howl-idays!