The holidays mark a fun occasion for people to decorate their homes, cook special dishes, exchange gifts with loved ones and otherwise appreciate the many joys life has to offer. For pet owners, however, the season brings a host of challenges and potential issues to pay attention to.

The winter holidays are one of the best times of the year to get together and celebrate with loved ones, including our furry family members, Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary , told HuffPost. But amidst all the festivities, it may be easy to miss some of the hazards our pets face during the holidays.

This season brings increased temptations for pets and additional distraction for owners, so its important to be extra mindful around this time of year.

To help keep pets safe around the holidays, we asked Richardson and other experts to break down the holiday items that may pose a risk to dogs and cats. Read on for their warnings and advice for avoiding harm.

Christmas Trees

If you have a tree at the center of your celebrations, its important to sweep or vacuum up the needles regularly, as they can be harmful if eaten, Richardson said. They can also get stuck between your pets paw pads and cause irritation or pain.

If you have a pet that likes to climb or excitedly knocks into things, try to anchor your tree to a wall or window to ensure it doesnt topple over and injure them. Wrapping the trunk in aluminum foil can discourage cats from climbing, as most dont like the sound and texture.

If you have a tree that needs watering, make sure theres no access to stagnant water that your pet might try to drink from, Richardson advised. Bacteria grows very quickly in tree water, and can cause serious stomach upsets for your pet.

Consider choosing a tree skirt that is tight-fitting or a stand with a covered bowl to make the water harder to access.

To protect their tree, some pet parents will place gates in front of the tree or have it in a room their pet is not allowed to go in, said Dr. Amber Karwacki, a partner doctor at Heart + Paw .

Letting your pet observe or investigate the tree before decorating may also remove some of the temptation.

Use deterrents like citrus, bitter apple, menthol, or citronella spray on the tree, suggested Dr. Sarah Wooten, a veterinary expert with Pumpkin Pet Insurance . If your cat is a climber, do not leave them unsupervised around the tree. Reward positive behavior and distract your cat from unwanted behavior like climbing the tree.