It is that time of year when your guests tend to over-indulge and imbibe more than is good for them, leaving their hosts to pick up the pieces.

But pets are also likely to succumb to alcohol poisoning during the festive period, as a result of them sneaking a sip of any drink left lying around the house - with potentially dire consequences.

And with more people now drinking at home than in pubs the problem is likely to get worse.

Vets have warned that because pets such as cats and dogs are naturally inquisitive, they are likely to sniff out and taste any liquids left in glasses on the floor and because of their size it takes very little to make them drunk.