ST. GEORGE — Every year, numerous dogs head to the vet during the holidays, suffering from digestive problems and canine pancreatitis, because they’ve eaten things they really shouldn’t.

So how can you say “Bone Appetit” to Fido during the holidays while still keeping your hungry hound happy and healthy?

According to canine health and wellness experts at Milk-Bone, dog parents can start by avoiding these three major doggy health hazards:

Doggy hazard 1: Left-out leftovers

Many dogs get sick because human food is often left where the dog can access it, and they eat huge quantities when their owners aren’t looking.

Doggy hazard 2: Food no-nos

Don’t give your dog turkey skin, turkey or poultry bones, onions, grapes, raisins, fatty foods or other holiday fare that is harmful or toxic to dogs.

See additional foods to avoid feeding your pets on the Animal Poison Control website.

Doggy hazard 3: Dental damagers

Avoid plastic bones, ice cubes, antlers and bully sticks — all of which can cause painful doggy tooth fractures.

More questions?

Here are few more tips from Jesse Vasquez, Milk-Bone’s dog health and wellness advocate.

Question: When Fido is begging for food under the table what can you safely give him instead?

Answer: Try giving your dog a dental treat — a bone that tastes like a treat and cleans like a toothbrush. Treats made for dogs keep them occupied and have none of the hazards of human holiday foods.

Question: What should I do if Fido is really hyperactive with all of the people and food around the house during the holidays?

Answer: Make a point to get him a lot of exercise before the big holiday meals or your guests arrive. Check out the embedded infographic on the most popular holiday doggy exercise workouts.

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