When it comes to pets, the answer is no. Yet every year, vets around the country are dealing with sick animals who have been overfed by guilty owners who want them to have as much fun as they are having.

"Gastroenteritis is an extremely common problem on St Stephen's Day, " said Dublin vet Pete Wedderburn. "You wouldn't believe the number of cats and dogs who are given a huge spread on Christmas day, including turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and sprouts. Their stomachs can't handle it and they become very ill. This kind of overeating can actually kill them."

This year, the University Veterinary Hospital at UCD will remain open on Christmas day to deal with emergency animal cases. And there may be quite a few - Christmas is a dangerous time for animals around the house.

Besides the big dinner lavished on them by unwitting owners, dogs have a knack of smelling out food parcels under the tree and gorging on them. If this includes chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs, the results may be fatal. "If a small dog like a King Charles eats a big bar of chocolate, it will certainly kill him, " said Wedderburn. "Owners need to remember this and keep all edible treats out of reach of their dogs."

Traditional Christmas flowers such as poinsettias, lilies and mistletoe are extremely toxic to both cats and dogs. Every year, many animals suffer from liver failure after inadvertently nibbling on them.

Christmas trees pose another problem for family pets. Any tinsel or baubles placed on the lower branches prove too tempting for many animals who will play with them, smash them and even eat them.

"We often come across cases where a young dog will eat tinsel and get a twisted bowel from it, " noted Mark Beazley of the ISPCA.

"Kittens and puppies tend to be curious and playful. They might not look strong but they are well capable of pulling the tree down on top of themselves. As well as the damage to decorations, the animals themselves can be injured in the fall."

Even more dangerous is the high risk of electrocution at this time of year. A lot of dogs and cats are prone to chewing anything to hand and with fairylight wires on the floor at Christmas, many will be in for a nasty shock.

"People should take care to cover their wires with lemon juice or bitter apple to keep them away, " said Beazley.

"They should also anchor their Christmas tree to the ceiling to keep it secure and keep tinsel and streamers away from the lower branches.

It might be an idea to keep the pet out of the Christmas tree room altogether."

Over the Christmas period, animal owners are also advised to make time for their pets, who may be disturbed by the increased activity and extra visitors in the house. Routine is essential. Dog walking should still take place every day and a quiet room should be given over for the pet to relax in.

"They may not recognise what Christmas is, but it can still be a turbulent time for animals, " said Beazley. "They pick up on any tensions in the house and can act up accordingly. Pet owners need to remember that animals don't understand what's going on and not to get angry if there are any accidents."

Above all, do not introduce a new animal to the household during the festive season. "It is the worst possible time to get a new pet, especially as a gift, " said Beazley. "We're getting tired saying it, but it still happens every year."