Keep your pets safe this holiday season...

Christmas and New Year's – a time when your house is filled with treats, and possibly filled with strangers.

Both can cause your dogs and cats distress.

First, the treats. When company is coming, they're often left in bowls around the house, where an enterprising dog or cat can not only reach them, but devour the whole bowl full if the humans happen to be off in another room. Chocolate can be deadly for dogs, especially small dogs. Rains are also poisonous to dogs.

But poison aside, even sugar cookies can cause digestive distress when eaten in quantities. Keep those treats out of reach when you aren't there to keep an eye on them. AND discourage your visitors from giving in to pets who look at them with soulful eyes, trying to convince them to share.

Then, the strangers. Cats are especially prone to hiding when strangers are in the house, and some may even feel a need to escape to the great outdoors. If your cats – or your dogs – are apt to bolt for an open door, keep them contained.

Pets may not enjoy being confined to a crate or even to a bedroom or laundry room, but it's far better for them to be unhappy for a few hours than to be lost and unhappy for the rest of their lives. And of course, pets who run are apt to be run over by a passing car.

If your critters get upset during the holidays, remember that Feel5ive can help keep them calm, even when things are hectic around the house. Put a few drops in their water bowls throughout the season, so they can enjoy it as much as you do.

One more thing – if you expect fireworks for New Year's Eve and your dogs are afraid of the noise, use our Thunderstorms blend to help them through it. As with the Feel5ive, just add a few drops every time you refresh their water bowls.

Wishing you a memorable and happy holiday season!