COVID-19 cases continue to surge around the country, so this year’s holiday season may be quieter than usual.

Gone are the guests, but there are still plenty of seasonal things that can be troublesome for your pets. Human holiday traditions such as food, decorations and plants that may seem harmless can be dangerous and even life-threatening to dogs and cats.

“Our pets are naturally curious and love new things. The holidays provide a whole new world for them to explore that can lead to a potential illness or injury,” said Erin Katribe, veterinarian and medical director, Best Friends Animal Society. “Since many veterinary offices have limited hours and services during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s crucial to keep your pets as safe as possible, as a trip to the vet won’t be as easy as in previous years.”

As such, Best Friends Animal Society offers the following tips to keep your dogs and cats safe during this holiday season:

—Be aware that increased noise and lights can caus...