Holidays can be special but health hazards for pets lurk around every corner. That fact is easy to forget when you are busy busy busy, so here's a list of things to keep in mind.

TOYS
To begin with, think like your pet. Food aside, nothing attracts pets like tiny bright colored toys, which are choking hazards, according to Reader's Digest. Batteries are too, so be sure to keep them away from your pets.

TREE & DECORATIONS
From your pet's perspective, your Christmas is simply too inviting. Know your pet and decorate accordingly. If you have a new puppy, ornaments need to be placed higher up out of Fido's reach. Also, don't allow dogs to drink the tree water. Cat owners beware! Tether the tree or make sure to mount it on a sturdy base just in case your cat decides to climb it, as reported previously at HNGN. Let's face it: it's going to happen. It's how cats roll.

FOOD
Make sure your guests know the house rules: no table food for your pets. Letting them know you're serious will keep your pet safe from ingesting something dangerous – like any one of the items on this short list of banned foods for your dogs and cats: onions, garlic, tomatoes, avocado, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, mushrooms, chicken, pork and other bones, nuts, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate. Chocolate is deadly, even the tiniest square of baker's chocolate can kill a dog, says Pets Weekly. 

CANDLES
This is true all year round but especially during the holidays: candles in homes that include pets don't mix. In fact, pets cause thousands of fires each year by accidentally knocking over candles. If you like to create an ambiance using candles, place them on a sturdy surface away from where your pet can reach. Better yet, opt for the imitation kind; it's better to err on the side of caution on this one.

Enjoy all of the happiness this time of year can bring – just keep your pet's best interest in mind to avoid anything that could spoil the magic of the season.