A playful pet can mistake a small Christmas ball for a toy, which would be amusing to see if it weren't so dangerous. It's easy to imagine a dog picking up a globe-shaped ornament with its mouth, ready to play catch. But if it's small enough to get further inside the mouth and block the throat, one wrong move can put your pet's life at risk.Presents should be far away from the fireplace, especially if some contain flammable substances. We love our animals, but we should never underestimate their strength and tendency to jump, run, and topple things. A gift-wrapped item catching fire is the last thing we want on what should be a day of celebration. Chocolates and candy bars are at their most popular during the holidays. But try not to give your cat or dog any, not even a little. The same goes for fatty foods or anything that has bones. Your pet may have an underlying condition that you haven't noticed yet. And if your vet is out of town for the holidays, addressing the symptoms may prove challenging. Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your veterinary hospital Washington DC for proper medical attention.
