This season is all about sharing your home with extended family members, indulging in sweets and being a little more relaxed -- but don't get too lax about what food and medicines you expose to your pets.

The holidays bring welcome guests and unwelcome toxins into your home. CNN reports that this time of year can be especially dangerous for pets. "Dogs and cats do not know what is bad for them," said Dr. Cynthia Gaskill, associate professor and veterinary clinical toxicologist at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. "If there is medicine on the bathroom counter or food left on the table, that is irresistible to them."

Some over-the-counter medicines can kill small animals. Chocolate can harm hearts and central nervous systems. Macadamia nuts are known to cause a short-term hind-limb paralysis.

Here are some of the foods as well as other household items to make sure to keep away from your pets:

• Antifreeze
• Chocolate
• Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
• Prescription or illegal drugs
• Rodenticides
• Xylitol
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Lilies
• Macadamia nuts

How do you plan to keep your pets safe during the holidays?