Your Trader Joe's one pound milk chocolate bar wrapper is in shreds all over the floor. Your dog is looking at you from under the dining room table with the smell of chocolate on her breath, a guilty look in her eye and there is not an ounce of chocolate left in sight. What do you do?

With Thanksgiving treats sure to take up room on kitchen counters and coffee tables, your pets will be as tempted as we are to reach for the snacks. 

As humans, we just gain weight, but some of the holiday goodies contain ingredients that are extremely toxic to our pets.

Here is some good info to have close at hand, because forewarned is forearmed. 

Foods to Avoid

Experts at the Animal Poison Control Center urge you to avoid feeding the following foods to your pet:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Avocado
• Chocolate (all forms)
• Coffee (all forms)
• Fatty foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Onions, onion powder
• Raisins and grapes
• Salt
• Yeast dough
• Garlic
• Artificial sweeteners

Animal Poison Control has a more comprehensive list, which explains the specific toxins in each food and the dangerous reactions your pet might exhibit.  

The Doctor's Orders

Dr. Debra Hoffman, owner of Tarzana Pet Clinic on the border of Encino and Tarzana, shares her advice on how to avoid potential holiday hazards.

"Besides the harmful holiday treats, even the main course can harm our pets. Fatty foods and the skin of the turkey or chicken can cause pancreatitis which is potentially fatal disease," she said. "Stuffing and vegetable dishes often contain onions. Bones and nuts are also problematic."

Hoffman also said that holiday plants, decorations and even gift wrap can cause severe problems if eaten. Ribbon, trim, packing peanuts, wrapping foil and paper are dangerous if eaten. Wrap your gifts away from the dog. 

"Holiday parties may involve new people coming to the house," Hoffman added. "Be sure your pets are safe and comfortable with the changes to their environment."

Pets are like children in some ways. They have a natural tendency to get into things that could be harmful. During the holidays, it's best to pet-proof your house and keep a close eye on your curious companion.

What to do if your pet ingests something toxic?

Don't panic. If your dog or cat seems normal, but you are pretty sure they ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control immediately. The Animal Poison Control Center hotline is (888) 426-4435. 

The folks there can help determine whether or not your dog needs medical attention based on what she ate, how much she ingested and her body mass.

If your pet is having seizures, excessive vomiting, or any abnormal behavior, transport your pet to your veterinarian or animal emergency hospital for medical attention. Call ahead so the team there will be ready for your emergency.

Here is a handy list of some of our local veterinarians:

Animal Clinic of Encino  18010 Ventura Boulevard - (818) 342-7900

Encino Veterinary Clinic 17009 Ventura Boulevard - (818) 783-7387

Tarzana Pet Clinic 18452 Burbank Boulevard - (818) 342-3142

Also close by:

Capri Plaza Pet Clinic    (specialties include avian, small animal, exotics) 19582 Ventura Boulevard - (818) 881-6344

VCA McClave Animal Hospital  6950 Reseda Boulevard - (818) 881-5102

Animal Poison Control Hotline (888) 426-4435 (note: there may be a $65 charge per case)