At this time of year, veterinarians are especially concerned about what their patients may be eating.

You'll see our warnings about feeding repeatedly because around this time of year, every year, we see pets brought in with very preventable illnesses caused by improper feeding or a lack of proper safeguards for the garbage can.

The arrival of the holiday season will mean an increase in the number of pets visiting veterinarians for upset digestive systems due to consuming "human food" items. There are numerous tempting dangers for dogs and cats at this time of year.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are typically times of holiday feasts in our homes, and can be a source of tempting handouts or plates of leftovers for pets. Feeding dogs and cats foods that they are not accustomed to can cause a number of problems, from simple vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, to intestinal obstruction or perforation or pancreatitis. The most serious offenders are fatty handouts such as meat trimmings, bones, and spicy dishes. We also seem to see many dogs that develop GI problems after eating tomato-based foods.

A couple of years ago, our hospital had a dog brought in a few days after Thanksgiving that had a severe case of pancreatitis caused by leftover ham. This dog was seriously ill and suffered a great deal over the next few days, though it eventually recovered.

Pet owners need to resist the urge to give their pets leftovers or "people food" as treats, and also be sure trash is secure, so that pets don't get into the garbage for tempting things they can smell. The garbage can adds a couple of new risks to the picture in the form of bacteria that may proliferate on unrefrigerated food, and food wrappings such as aluminum foil that pets may ingest from the trash. Even leaving a plate or food item out on a counter top or table can inspire some pets to unbelievable athletic feats, jumping or climbing up to a location their owners thought the pet could never get to. Place all leftovers away securely.

One statement I've heard about feeding leftovers time and again that never ceases to amaze me is some variation of "I smelled it and it smelled bad, so I fed it to my dog." If you wouldn't eat it, by no means should you feed it to your pet.

The safest rule is never give your pets human food items. It's natural to want to share with our companions during the holidays, but this can lead to unnecessary suffering, not to mention sizeable health care bills. Purchase healthy treats made especially for dogs and cats, and give your pet a modest treat (not a handful) when you are enjoying your holiday delicacies.

It's a type of "tough love," but you and your pets will be happier and healthier by being careful with holiday foods. Your pet's doctor hopes not to have to treat one upset tummy from "people food" this year.

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(Dr. Greg McGrath is a veterinarian at Cedar Lake Pet Hospital in Biloxi, Miss. Questions for this column are encouraged. Write to South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, 20005 Pineville Road, Long Beach MS 39560 and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.)