Small amounts of plain cooked turkey with no skin or bones, plain pumpkin, green beans and plain sweet potato are usually fine. Skip onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, cooked bones and fatty scraps.

They can be with a few precautions. Anchor the tree, cover the water stand, keep tinsel, lights and glass ornaments out of reach, and sweep up needles, which can upset a dog’s stomach.

Poinsettias are mildly toxic. The sap can irritate the mouth and stomach and cause drooling or vomiting, but serious poisoning is rare. Holly and mistletoe are more dangerous and should stay out of reach.

Walk and feed your dog before dark, set up a quiet room with closed curtains and background noise, and stay calm yourself. If your dog panics every year, talk to your vet well before the holiday.

Personal gifts win. Items printed with their dog’s photo or name, cozy blankets, matching bandanas and dog mom or dog dad apparel feel thoughtful without being complicated.

You should be able to feel the ribs easily with light pressure and see a waist from above. If you cannot, ask your vet for a body condition score and a target weight.