Delivering gifts to children on Christmas Eve is Santa’s job and while his bag may be loaded down with toys for the little tikes, he does not forget about the stockings hung on the fireplace mantle for pets.

For six years, Jan Blackledge has hung a red stocking with a Santa on it for her apricot poodle, Nick.

“I got him as a Christmas present from my girls, and we kind of go overboard with him” Blackledge said.

Rescued from a shelter in Oxford, Nick had ear mites, was severely malnourished, and “he was scared.”

Nevertheless, the little pooch adjusted to his new life and every year receives treats from Santa and on several occasions a new sweater.

Like Nick, pets can be a wonderful addition for families, but just like small children, precautions must be taken to keep them safe during the holiday season.

Dr. Stephanie Duhon of the Vicksburg Animal Clinic said electrical cords and medication are at the top of the list of four-legged mishaps.

“Go ahead and pull the plug,” Duhon said, warning that a chewed plug could not only electrocute your pet, but an injured cord could burn the house down.

Medications become a concern when there are visitors in the home for the holidays, and if a pet gets them, it could be dangerous.

“Just like at your house, guests need to keep medications in a secure location. If grandma comes to visit and has medication in her purse, the best of pets can be curious,” Duhon said.

Securing the Christmas tree is also necessary to keep pets safe, especially for those who have cats.

“Cats climb tress so they need to be anchored,” Duhon said, adding breakable ornaments need to hang at waist level to be out of reach.

“Some of the older ornaments have lead paint on them,” she said.

Tinsel is a big attractor for feline friends.

“It goes down OK, but it does not come out OK.”

Duhon also suggested if there are wrapped packages, which contain food, it is best not to put them under the tree. Pets can sniff it out and tearing into a gift can be hazardous.

Chocolate can be harmful for a dog and the darker the chocolate the more toxic.

A press release from the Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital states table food can also be a concern for dogs.

“Table food causes dogs to suffer from acute gastroenteritis (an inflammation of the stomach and intestines) or pancreatitis. In both diseases, dogs experience severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and listlessness. Bones may lead to obstructions in the esophagus, the stomach, or the intestine and lead to severe digestive signs. Furthermore, grapes, raisins and onions are foods that dogs and cats should not receive. They are toxic to pets and can cause potentially fatal diseases, such as acute kidney failure, anemia, or seizures.” Ornamental plants like poinsettias, mistletoes and holly can also cause stomach upset for pets.

If in doubt – call a veterinarian, Duhon said.

“We have a veterinarian on call 24/7 and if it is an emergency you can also call the human poison control help line.”

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also a resource for any animal poison-related emergency, Duhon said. According to their website, the service is offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 888-426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.