There's nothing better than sharing your holiday traditions with friends and family members, including those with four legs. Keep your furry family members safe this holiday season with these tips:

Be bright about holiday lights

Where there are holiday lights, extra electrical cords and plugs are sure to follow. As far as pets are concerned, these items aren’t about supplying power, but rather providing more chew-toy options. To help prevent shocks, burns or more serious injuries, pet parents should make sure all cords are taped down or covered.

Decorate with care

Pets look at Christmas trees and see elaborate scratching posts. That’s why pet parents should see potential danger and securely anchor trees to the ceiling and avoid hanging tinsel and other tempting decorations within paws’ reach.

Provide your pets with a silent night

Visitors are not always a welcome diversion for pets. “During holiday parties,” says Training Expert Jeff Schultz, “it’s important to provide a safe, quiet place where pets can retreat from all the noise and confusion.” If a pet happens to be more social, make sure when guests come knocking he doesn’t go running out the door. But no matter what their personality, all pets should wear ID at all times.

Keep treats out of reach

A holiday meal is not necessarily a special treat for pets, warns Pet Nutrition Expert Dr. Mark Finke. “Pets simply do not have the same digestive system or nutritional needs as people,” he says. For example, chocolate (even in small quantities) can be toxic to dogs and cats.

There are other hidden holiday dangers for pets. For example, mistletoe, holly berries, and poinsettia plants can be poisonous; and if eaten, pine needles can result in internal puncture wounds.

The Outside Track

Changing the antifreeze is a common winter ritual. However, many pet parents are unaware of the fact that antifreeze and pets simply don’t mix. Dogs and cats may be attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, according to Veterinary and Pet Care Expert Dr. Nicholas Saint-Erne. The best way to avoid a potentially deadly accident is to immediately clean up all spills, make sure the antifreeze container is securely closed and repair radiator leaks right away.

On (or off) the Road

If pet parents are planning to travel sans pets during the holidays, they should make arrangements well in advance of their departure date. “That way,” says PetSmart PetsHotel® Expert Kelley Lenhart, “they can personally visit a boarding facility to determine whether or not it’s clean, its staff is friendly and qualified, there’s 24-hour supervision and a veterinarian is always on call.”

For those pet parents planning to travel with their pets, it’s important to be prepared. “First, schedule an appointment with your vet within 10 days of your trip to make sure your pet is healthy and current on vaccinations,” advises Veterinary and Pet Care Expert Dr. Robyn Jaynes. “And because most airlines and boarding facilities require proof of immunization/vaccination, always travel with a copy of your pet’s health records (including an interstate Health Certificate, if necessary).” Safety is the essential component for happy holiday traveling. To that end, assures Travel and Carrier Expert Ryan Jilbert, “there’s no shortage of products – including car harnesses and barriers, as well as airline-approved carriers and crates.”

Because travel can be stressful, always have plenty of water available for pets (high stress compounded by limited access to water adds up to rapid dehydration). If your pet is unusually anxious, talk to your vet about prescription or over-the-counter relaxants.

- Information from PetSmart's Experts