THE Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is warning pet owners to the potential dangers of certain floral arrangements this festive season.Vice-president, Rosalie Powell, warned this week that lilies, commonly used this time of year in floral arrangements, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested, while common Yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be potentially toxic to pets.

"Should a cat or dog eat mistletoe, they could possibly suffer gastrointestinal upsets and cardiovascular problems," she warned.

Ms Powell said holly causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and lethargy if ingested.

Even though poinsettias are considered very low in toxicity, they can cause mild vomiting or nausea if ingested by your pet.

She added that it was important to keep pets away from "Christmas tree water" which is stagnant and as such can act as a breeding ground for bacteria and if ingested by your pet can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, holiday sweets containing chocolate also pose a serious health risk to pets.

Depending on the dose ingested, chocolate (bakers, semi-sweet, milk and dark) can be potentially poisonous to many animals.

"In general, the less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it could be. In fact, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine (a substance similar to caffeine) as milk chocolate," she said.

Ms Powell explained that if ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate following ingestion of as little as a quarter ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.

On another note, the SPCA shelter will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. on December 25, 26 and January 1.

Ms Powell pointed out that volunteers were needed to walk dogs and help with the cats on December 26th and January 1 and anyone interested in volunteering their services, and perhaps burning off some Christmas weight in the process, can contact the shelter at 236-7333.

In an effort to raise funds for the shelter and provide the animals with new bedding, toys and food over the festive season, the SPCA will be selling their line of products at the Washington Mall tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The stall, set up near the Delta will offer calendars, gift certificates, mugs and T-shirts and a few other animal-related gifts, while donations will also be accepted.