For many our dogs and cats are apart of the family and it's only natural wanting them to celebrate as well during the holidays.

But sharing food or playing with decorations can cause a lot of problems, and these problems could cost you thousands of dollars or even your pet's life.

Every holiday season veterinarians see many of the same pet problems over and over. News 5 stopped at Jones Animal Hospital in Bristol, Tennessee and Doctor Ned Allen says festive foods and decorations can be fatal to your pet.

Things you might not even think of, like decorations and ornaments, "At the worst they can cut their feet, the shards of glass can be stepped on and get in their paws. Occasionally a cat will eat one."

Speaking of eating things, poinsettias can be poisonous, put them where Fluffy or Fido can't get to them. As for tinsel, which adds beautiful sparkle to your tree, it can cause a choking hazard. "If you pull a string you are likely to cause a great deal of damage," said Doctor Allen.

While most of us enjoy a big holiday feast, any treats from the dinner table can make a cat or dog seriously sick. "You wind up with gastric upsets, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, things like that," added Doctor Allen.

Just preventing these potential problems can insure you and your four legged friends have a happy holiday. "Recognize what the hazards are and avoid them. Don't put ornaments at the bottom of the tree where cats are likely to get to them. Keep your food put away where the dogs aren't likely to get up there and get it," said Doctor Allen.

When it comes to giving a cat or dog as a gift, veterinarians warn it's a bad idea. Doctor Allen says giving a pet is a decision that should be made by the entire family and can be a big financial strain.