You may want to throw Fido some extra table scraps this holiday season. You'd probably like to see that cute little tail wag as he chomps down on a piece of turkey skin, and you'll likely come dangerously close to appeasing his whimpers with a few crumbs of cake.

But be strong. Don't cave into those sad, puppy eyes.

Guests overfeeding their hosts' dogs and cats is the number one pet-health issue that Dr. Thomas Gill, a veterinarian with Brookside Veterinary Clinic in Auburn, sees during the holiday season.

'Everybody thinks they're doing a favor by throwing these dogs a treat,' Gill said, but what they're really doing is creating a risk for health problems like pancreatitis and acute gastrointestinal disease.

In addition to getting way more morsels than their usual diet, pets that overindulge in the high-fat foods served at holiday gatherings can subsequently suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and even hospitalization.

Though you certainly want to include your pets in the festivities, you also need to make sure they remain healthy. Here are some other issues to look out for when it comes to keeping your house pets safe during this time of year:

' Presents around the tree

Gifts stacked under the tree make a quaint holiday scene, but be mindful of what's in those wrapped boxes and bags.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) encourages people to keep any edible presents out of your pet's reach, as overeating can lead to the aforementioned gastrointestinal problems.

'Dogs are famous for sniffing out boxes of chocolate and things like that,' Gill said with a laugh. 'They don't try to open the bag of pajamas; they tear open the box of candy.'

Depending on how much is consumed, chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) can be dangerous for dogs, Gill continued, adding that the wrapping paper that must first be chewed threw may cause its own health problems if consumed.

' Ornaments/tinsel

Others types of decoration, such as tree ornaments and tinsel, can also be problematic if swallowed, so pet owners should hang the tinsel high and make sure it's tied well.

"Cats may be prone to play with that kind of stuff," Gill said of the tinsel, noting that felines who swallow the stringy item may develop gastrointestinal disorders.

' Electrical cords

Christmas lights and electric candles mean more cords and wires in the house than usual.

"Occasionally dogs and cats can chew on electrical cords and have anything from mild shocks to pretty serious electrocution," Gill said.

It's important to ensure that cords are high enough so that your animal does not get tangled up in them, and the SPCA also suggests unplugging lights if you're not home.

' Christmas tree water

If you have a live tree, there may be chemicals in the water that can cause illness if animals drink it, Gill said, suggesting that people find some way to cover this area.

Christmas trees should also be well anchored to the wall or ceiling, the SPCA recommends. This way, if your cat or dog jumps on it or knocks it over, there is less chance of a falling tree harming your pet.

' Poisonous plants

Holiday plants such as poinsettias, hollies and mistletoe have levels of toxins in them that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if ingested, so Gill advises owners to keep these out of their pets' sight.

If you believe you pet has been poisoned, call the Pet Poison Hotline at 1-800-213-6680.

Breakout:

For more information on pet health, visit www.petpoisonhelpline.com or www.aspca.org.