Pets can seem like family members, but during the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas feasting, there are things that should not be shared with Spot or Fluffy.

Here are some tips from the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association to make sure your holidays do not include an emergency trip to the vet.

Keep food and beverages out of reach from dogs and cats, and be sure to ask holiday guests to do the same.

Turkey bones can be deadly. They can easily splinter and puncture gums or internal organs. If you want to share a nibble of turkey, make sure it contains no bone.

Dogs and cats should be kept away from certain foods that can make them sick such as chocolate, anything with the artificial sweetener xylitol, grapes, raisins and onions.

Other foods are OK in small portions, such as mashed potatoes or small pieces of cooked meat. Beware of overindulgence, which can leave pets with digestive problems that you may have to clean up later. Veterinarians recommend sticking with the normal diet of pet food.

The best time to feed pets is while your two-legged guests are chowing down and you can give the dog or cat something to keep them busy such as a rawhide chew or a hollow pet toy stuffed with food.

Never leave a pet alone in a room with lit candles.

If the pet is excitable or scared when you have company, consider keeping it in another room or a crate. For the toughest cases, consider talking to the veterinarian about medication.