Hisham Ibrahim, owner of Good Shepherd Veterinary Hospital in Adams Township, takes a cat into an examination room. Christmas trees are a hazard to cats who climb them and eat the tinsel.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for your dog or cat, not so much.

With the holiday season in full swing, Butler County homes will be filled with foods that are poisonous to pets and out-of-town guests that can throw animals out of their routines.

Chocolate, tinsel and poinsettias are holiday staples, but Dr. Hisham Ibrahim, the owner of the Good Shepherd Veterinary Hospital, 101 Fox Trot Drive, Adams Township, urges pet owners to keep festive foods and decorations away from their pets.

All too often, the holiday round of eating, socializing, partying, car trips and kennel stays can be traumatizing to dogs and cats, said Nancy Kieffer, director of training for the nonprofit Butler Dog Training Association.

“We all like routines,” she said. “With dogs and cats with a disruption, we can see a regression in obedience.”

“They can get a little too excited,” she said. “Dogs can become tired and stressed with a lot of visitors in the house. “Sometimes they need some alone time. Put them in a bedroom, give them their favorite toys.”

Find out how to keep your pet safe this holiday season in Sunday’s Butler Eagle.