It's the most dangerous time...

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Maggie, a two-year-old Shitzu-Terrier mix opens her new ball Christmas morning. (CP)

Few families can claim to be on the nice-owner list every year.

This hectic, crazy busy time precludes it. My family is no different. Nerves are frayed and bodies are exhausted (and occasionally inebriated). When we pay less attention to pets' needs trouble is soon to follow.

After reading the holiday tips local dog trainer Kristin Watts, sent me, I began thinking about the naughty things my family has done to deserve getting a bit of coal in our stockings.

New pet owners are especially prone to making mistakes. My sister firmly planted herself on the pet owner naughty list the year she adopted a new puppy.

She gave the pup a stuffed animal just before Christmas. Her dog loved it. And when she and her fur kid visited my home Christmas Eve, the dog snuck into my room and destroyed every stuffed animal I'd saved from the time I was a baby. My bedroom looked like horror movie character Chucky had visited. Shredded stuffing littered every surface. And rogue eyeballs, which were strewn across the floor, stared back at me as if I were to blame for the slaughter.

Even at 13 years old, I knew it wasn't the dog's fault. She didn't understand the difference between dog stuffies and human ones. I should have shut my door. My sister should have kept a better eye on her pup. And she could have brought an appropriate toy to entertain the dog.

But her dog was lucky. She could have choked on one of the plastic stuffed-animal parts. This is easy for pups to do. This is the reason Watts says, "If you have children, be sure to pick up potential hazards for the dog. This would include game pieces, small toys, Lego bits, etc."

The loss of my stuffed loved ones taught me a lesson that Watts already knows: you have to think like a dog to think for a dog. I'm not suggesting you run around greeting everyone with a quick sniff and awkward rub on the leg, but rather remember that when you adopt an animal it'll be like having a toddler in your care for the rest of its life. They'll do things no adult human would see as logical.

The tips Watts offers are a good example of this theory. She cited a holiday danger I had not considered. Those who have real trees forget that pets see no problem in stealing sips from the sappy, stagnant water that feeds the base of the tree. Their stomachs, however, may face huge issues from drinking out of a tree stand. Covering the container will resolve this potential danger.

Decorations may pose problems, too. Cats are notorious for snacking on ribbons and tinsel. These items wreak havoc on their intestines. Tree ornaments should also be avoided. To prevent their demise, ensure they're placed out of your dog's reach. This advice goes for candy canes and cookie ornaments, too.

While we may think it's a good idea to wrap candy and chocolate and place it under the tree days before Christmas, it's unwise. Even though wrapping paper, to adults, means that the gift should remain off limits until offered, pets and toddlers don't share this view. Both toddlers and dogs are drawn to them. Animals are lured by the smell. Kids are merely curious. While some candy simply excites children, it can harm dogs when taken in large amounts.

My cat, named Thought, taught me a vital lesson about Christmas visitors. A guest had inadvertently closed the door to the room in which my cat's litter was located. Naturally, when a pet has to go, it does. And the only next logical location for a feline to view as a bathroom would be a tree. Thought proceeded to do his business on a grouping of wrapped presents.

When you have visitors, you notice your pets less. The best you can do to avoid being on the pet-owner naughty list is to plan ahead of time. Remember your pet's personality. Put nervous or shy animals in their kennel or a separate room to prevent them from acting out when people drop by. Watts says, "An adventurous hike... or a mentally challenging walk will make your dog more manageable, calm and content." Above all, remember that pet bathroom schedules don't change just because the calendar does.

And if you're staying at someone's home with your pet, take a quick look around for potential problems, the way a parent would for a toddler. Items like mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can be harmful to pets. If need be, ask the host if you can move them.

Just like you plan your appetizers, Christmas cards and gifts, consider your pet's needs, too. If you do, you'll be sure to make it on your pet's nice list.

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Manitoba Veterinarian Medical Association's animal myth buster

MYTH: I shouldn't use Swiffer Wet Jet cleaning solution around my pets.

BUSTED! This information is incorrect!

It is OK to use this cleaning solution in a home with pets. It has been rumoured that this solution contains ethylene glycol -- the same ingredient that makes antifreeze toxic to people and animals. While antifreeze is toxic, veterinary toxicologists at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who work in the Animal Poison Control Center, have confirmed there is no ethylene glycol in Swiffer Wet Jet cleaning solution.

Generally, we don't recommend letting animals walk on wet floors no matter the cleaner you choose to use. Floors can be very slippery when wet! Also, pet paws can be a quick way to mess up a freshly cleaned floor.

char.adam@mts.net twitter.com/charspetpage

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 15, 2009 D5