Let's admit it, we all over indulge a bit during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. But overfeeding your dog or giving him a taste of our fatty holiday food could cause him to become ill or even worse, end him up at the emergency clinic. And lets face it: No one wants to spend their Holidays at the emergency vet clinic. So take the extra measures now to avoid disaster. Here are 10 holiday precautions to help ensure a safe Thanksgiving for your dog.

1. Avoid feeding your dog any table scraps. Our holiday foods are loaded with fat, which can trigger pancreatitis. (Inform your guests, too.)

2. Secure your garbage so your dog does not ingest any bones, plastic wraps, aluminum foil, etc...

3. Keep all holiday decorations and lit candles out of your dog's reach.

4. Familiarize yourself with the bad foods for dogs. These include chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, caffeine products, alcoholic beverages, etc...

5. Be aware of your dog's whereabouts. With so many guests coming and going, there is plenty of opportunity for an escape! Also make sure your dog is wearing his I.D. tags!

6. Never, ever leave out any sweets on your coffee table! You can bet, as soon as your back is turned, your little scavenger will get to it. Have candies, hors d'oeuvres and the like, placed high up on counter tops.

7. Keep the emergency Vet & Poison Control phone numbers nearby - just in case the unthinkable happens!

8. Familiarize yourself with the poisonous plants that could potentially be life threatening. Some of which include these popular Holiday plants: Amaryllis, Peace Lily, Holly, Poinsettia, & Mistletoe.

9. Keep your dog out of the kitchen while preparing your Thanksgiving feast. This will prevent accidents from happening: like your dog ingesting something he shouldn't because it drops to the floor or he trips you up as you are carrying hot food to the table.

10. Exercise your dog before your guests arrive. Take your dog on a brisk walk to help tire him out so he will be more calm during the festivities.

By following these few simple Holiday Dog Safety Tips and being informed on the bad foods for dogs and other dangers, you and your pet can have a safe holiday season.