As the lyrics of a popular Christmas song go, "It's the most wonderful time of the year". . . which is true for many people, but it can also be a time of stress and busy schedules. We have deadlines to meet, parties to enjoy, shopping, cooking-the list seems endless. As a result, our four-legged family members may be victims of these changes in our lives and can suffer from the lack of our time and proper attention. Animals are around for the holidays just like we are, and the stresses that impact human beings at this time also affect Man's (and of course, Woman's) Best Friend.

Since dogs are creatures of habit, it's important that we maintain their routines as much as possible. It may take a few sacrifices and some creative planning, but our doggies deserve proper attention and care to stay healthy. We may need to enlist the help of friends, family or neighbors to assist with our pets, especially if our schedule gets very hectic this time of the year. With some planning, we can ensure that pets and humans not only stay healthy, but thrive and enjoy the Holiday season.

Some things to keep in mind to keep your dog safe and healthy:

FOOD - Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, so make sure they are not enticed by holiday goodies that are not healthy for them. Some foods that are toxic to dogs are chocolate and macadamia nuts. Many human foods are too rich for dogs and human spices in general are not good for pets. Foods too rich and high in fat can lead to stomach upsets and even more serious problems such as pancreatitis. Also, though tempting, don't give your dog large quantities of ham and turkey. Bones are dangerous-poultry bones splinter easily and can lodge in your dog's mouth, throat and stomach. Another food to keep away from dogs, is yeast dough-uncooked dough can be very dangerous for dogs even in small amounts. Make sure you pet-proof your garbage, since putting that leftover turkey in the trash may prove irresistible to your canine companion. If you have visitors, make sure they know the rules of what, how much, and when they can feed your dog-if anything at all. Have special dog treats available for the holidays so everyone can feel part of the festivities. Children, especially, have to be taught or reminded that doggies just can't eat the same foods that people do. Make sure not to leave food lying around where pets can get to it. Candies, particularly those that are wrapped, can cause internal injuries to your pet. For a complete list of food items to keep away from your dog, check with your veterinarian or local ASPCA. Even if your dog doesn't normally scavenge or beg for food, the holidays can make the temptation too much and their behavior can change.

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS - Dogs will be intrigued by new items in your house, especially shiny ornaments, or tinsel. Tinsel can fall off the tree and be ingested by your pet. Make sure they can not reach these items, especially if you have a playful puppy or a dog with a history of getting into household non-food items not intended to be ingested. Don't forget to keep electrical cords out of reach. A good way of preventing the temptation to chew on electrical cords may be to use electrical conduits for the wires. You may want to keep presents out of reach as well. You never know what tempting item may be hidden under that beautiful wrapping that may be harmful to your beloved pet if chewed or ingested.

PLANTS - Certain Christmas-season plants like Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. The leaves and berries of Christmas holly can be fatal for dogs. If you have a real Christmas tree in the house, make sure your dog cannot get to the water in the tree stand since his attempts to do so may cause the tree to tip over. Additionally, stagnant or treated water is not good for him. You might want to avoid having a flocked tree, since some dogs may want to lick off this potentially-toxic item.

DRESSING UP YOUR DOG - Some people like to put ribbons and bows around dogs' necks to create a festive look. Even the antlers that so many are fond of embarrassing their dogs with, may look cute and funny, but make sure they are on just for the quick photo opportunity and not left on, since they may choke them, or they may try to eat them when not being supervised.

STRESS - Holidays bring families and friends together and may cause anxiety in your dog. Once again it's important to maintain your dog's routine activities as much as possible-regular walks and exercise are always important. Some extra play-time chasing a favorite toy may be just the thing your pet is craving. Try to feed him at the same time each day and always keep plenty of fresh water around. Give your pets a quiet place to retreat to, especially if your normally quiet home is filled with guests and noise. Make sure guests are aware that pets can sneak out when doors are constantly being closed and opened. Perhaps posting a note on the front door will help guests remember about our doggies potentially sneaking out the door.

TRAVELING - If you're traveling with your dog and need to stay at a hotel during your trip, a good guide to check out is http://www.dogfriendlyhotels.org or http://www.petswelcome.com. Make sure that your dog will be welcome at your final destination and that you take his favorite toys, plenty of food, treats and whatever else you can fit in your car to make his stay comfortable while making sure your hosts are not too inconvenienced by your furry (unless he's a hairless Chihuahua) family member. Many prefer to have someone they know and trust stay at home with their dog, so that he stays in his own environment and with a person with whom he feels comfortable. If boarding is the only option, make sure the kennel is recommended by a trusted person and meets all the conditions to ensure your dog's well-being during your absence. A site to find a pet sitter in your area is: http://www.petsit.com/locate/. Once again, the key is trying to maintain their routines as much as possible and keep the levels of stress and anxiety at a minimum.

WEATHER- The most wonderful time of the year is often the coldest, especially in some parts of the country. Monitor your dog's well-being when the temperatures drop, especially when he goes outdoors. If you live in an area where roads or sidewalks are frequently salted and you walk your dog, you probably need to get some doggy boots or make sure you rinse off his paws. Salt is bad for your dog's paws and you don't want him licking it off and ingesting it. If you have a fireplace, make sure your pet is kept at a safe distance. It's also important to watch out for candles, since pets can knock them down and get accidentally burned.

Celebrate this festive time of the year with your dog, but always keep in mind that our canine companions require special care and have unique needs. Remember, the best gifts you can give your pet during the holidays are play and quiet time with you. Regular walks are, of course, always welcome, and good for you too.