The holiday season is a time for giving. Of course, you’ll want to include your beloved dog in the celebrations.

Whether you are trying to decide on the perfect gift or how to keep your dog safe around the holiday confusion, these simple guidelines can help make your holiday the best yet.

Avoiding holiday mishaps

• With so much food available during this season, discourage guests from feeding your dog people food. Anything out of her normal diet can result in vomiting or diarrhea.
• Tinsel, electric chords and other holiday decorations can pose a serious threat to a dog who likes to chew. Keep decorations out of her reach or block her from the room containing them.
• Many holiday plants, including mistletoe, English Ivy, holly leaves and berries, Christmas roses, narcissus and amaryllis bulbs are poisonous to your pet. At the very least, they can cause irritation in your dog's mouth or throat.
• A house full of guests can make your dog nervous. Consider placing her in a crate or gated area and ask your guests to leave her alone or stay away from her space.

Gift-giving

• Treat your dog to a new toy, rawhide, flavored bone or a new leash. Make sure that all toys and treats are size appropriate.
• Only show your dog her gift when you are ready to give it. Teasing can make her unnecessarily excited and confused.