Don't Let Your Animals Eat Chocolate--Dark chocolate is especially toxic, but even milk chocolate in larger amounts can make your pet sick.

Don't Let Your Animals Drink Alcoholic Beverages

Don't Let Your Animals Ingest Sugar Substitutes--Candy sweetened with xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar (known as hypoglycemia).

Keep Flowers Out of Reach of Pets--Any varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats. Other potentially poisonous flowers may include tulips (especially if potted, as the bulbs are the most toxic), amaryllis, Calla lily, daisies, chrysanthemums, and baby's breath. Safe alternatives include African violets, asters, camellia, Canna lilies, jasmine, and orchids. As for roses, keep your pets away from the thorns as pets can develop serious infections from thorn punctures.

Don't Leave Unattended Candles Burning

Clean up After Wrapping and Decorating--Balloons, cellophane, tape, ribbons, bows and other wrapping items or decorations can cause your pet to choke, or become ill, if ingested.

Don't Give Pets as Gifts--UNLESS you KNOW your sweetheart wants a pet and is prepared to make a lifelong commitment. If you're not sure, consider visiting your local humane society and purchasing a gift certificate. That way, you and your beloved can make a romantic trip to the shelter together and both choose your new best friend! 

Signs are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less) of chocolate ingestion and may include:

• Excitement / nervousness / trembling
• Vomiting / diarrhea
• Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination
• Muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Coma (rare)
• Death (rare)