Humane Society offers pet safety tips for the holidays

Photo Credit: United States Humane Society

(NATIONAL) With the holiday season in full swing, the United States Humane Society has some tips for putting your furry friends first and keeping them safe. 

The U.S. Humane Society reminds pet owners to make sure their animals stay indoors when it's extremely cold outside. 

Giving your pet certain foods could result in a veterinary emergency room visit. With all of the gatherings taking place this season and special food that will be at the celebrations, pet owners are reminded to keep certain things away from their furry friends.  

Food scraps not to give to pets include: gravy, sauces, bones, chocolate, citrus, candy, or coffee. 

It's also important to keep your pets safe around the decorations. 

Pet owners should keep Christmas tree lights and tinsel away from the bottom where it's easy for pets to get to them, and it's also important to make sure that your dogs or cats don't chew on any limbs or fir droppings from pine trees. 

For dog owners, make sure processed firewood products are not chewed because of the sawdust and paraffin they contain. If those particles are ingested, they can cause intestinal blockage. 

For cat owners, make sure the Christmas tree is securely in place. 

Has holiday cheer ever turned into trouble for your pet? Tell us about it in the comments below.