Anyone can overdo it during the holidays, including the family dog. But while gaining a few pounds isn't good for people, it's even worse for the fourfooted friends.

When adjusted for body size, weight gain in dogs is almost twice the level that it is for humans between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, a group of veterinarians and veterinary health professionals.

The association estimates that dogs take in an average of 500 extra calories on Thanksgiving Day, which is twice the recommended daily caloric intake for a 20-pound pooch. Many of these extra calories come from the fatty meats that are sneaked to pets under the table by their human companions, who consume about 4,500 calories worth of goodies on turkey day.

Since roughly 40 percent of pet dogs are already overweight, according the American Kennel Club Humane Fund, this feast is the last thing most pets need. Weight gain increases the risk of a dog developing a host of serious diseases, including cancer, high blood pressure and hip dysplasia.

Following are some tips from Cardinal Laboratories to keep dogs happy and healthy during the holidays:

•Resist the urge to feed a dog human food and ask guests to do the same. If dogs must be fed, carrots, broccoli, celery and asparagus are healthy treats that owners can give a dog.

•Avoid human foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and alcohol, all of which can make cats and dogs ill and can even be lifethreatening in small amounts.

•Give dogs a holiday dinner of nutritious dog food about an hour before serving guests. By the time the humans sit down to dinner, Fido won't be hungry and will be less likely to beg for table scraps.

•Stick with treats made especially for dogs, like Pet Botanics Omega Treats and Pet Botanics Training Rewards morsels from Cardinal Laboratories. These are bite-sized, free of filler, very low in calories, and made from humangrade ingredients. They are available at most better pet supply stores nationwide at $10 for a 14ounce bag.

•Make a dog work for his treats. Use a toy that is designed to be stuffed with Fido's favorite goodies. In addition to ensuring the dog gets his own treats, it keeps him occupied and less likely to beg at the table.

•Remove all garbage and scraps from the kitchen promptly to a place away from the pet.

•Exercise. Many people forget to walk the dog or play with him in the hustle of the holidays.

This article is provided by Cardinal Laboratories.