Help Your Pets Have a Safe Holiday Season

Enjoying the festive season includes keeping our animal companions safe.

Keep animals away from electrical extension cords that they might chew and decorations that they might swallow or break.

Be sparing with treats. Too much poultry or other meat could cause acute pancreatitis. And keep all chocolate candy out of dogs' reach.

But, by all means, also treat them to a new toy, leash or brush for grooming. Even a long-overdue annual checkup with the veterinarian would be an appropriate gift.

And for the homeless dogs and cats, send a donation to your local animal shelter or charity, or phone them to ask what supplies they might need.

Dear Dr. Fox:

I have cairn terriers, a 16-pound male and a 12-pound female. They have had very sensitive stomachs and vomited frequently.