The holiday season is here! This can be the most exciting and happy time of the year, but one wrong snack for Fido can quickly derail the yuletide cheer. The most common ailments in dogs during the holidays are gastritis and pancreatitis. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach, or "upset tummy" most frequently caused by eating something that is not a normal part of the pet's diet, like holiday food. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and can be more serious than gastritis. Both can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and decreased appetite, however, more often than not pets with pancreatitis need further care. Further care includes hospitalization on I.V. fluids for a few days to a week. Both of these diseases can be triggered by just one meal that is out of the ordinary, such as a ham or steak bone, especially in older dogs.
 The following is a list of treats that are appropriate for your pet during the holidays:

• green beans or carrots
• white meat turkey or chicken, not fried
• plain cheerios
• Hill's Science Diet fruit or veggie dog treats