Ed. Note: The following paid content was provided by Cinema Veterinary Centre, who is a client of KHTS AM-1220.
As residents begin decorating their homes for the holiday season, keeping potentially dangerous items away from pets is especially important, according to a Santa Clarita veterinarian.
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Traditional decorations like Christmas trees, holiday lights, seasonal plants and more can pose serious health hazards to both dogs and cats, said Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto of Cinema Veterinary Centre.
“With the Christmas tree, you want to make sure that any kind of ornaments that might be thought of as edible are kept up high,” she said. “Any of those salt dough ornaments or anything like that– you want to keep them away, because some dogs are not discerning when they want to have a treat.”
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Both dogs and cats should also be kept away from tree water, especially if residents use any type of additive, Ronchetto continued.
Dogs and cats who chew on holiday lights are at risk of being burned or electrocuted, she said, and candles should also be closely monitored while lit.
“If kitties like to jump up onto tables and things like that, make sure they can’t get their fur anywhere near candles,” Ronchetto added.
Ribbons and tinsel on presents or used as decorations can cause potentially fatal obstructions in a pet’s intestines if ingested, and plants like poinsettias are “especially toxic” to pets, according to Ronchetto.
“Certainly they’re beautiful,” she said. “But keep them outside or up higher away from (pets) so they can’t chew on them.”
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.Ronchetto also advises residents to be mindful of rain and bring pets inside before a storm, even if their dog usually loves water.
“They don’t want to be wet and miserable just like we wouldn’t want to be,” she said. “They can get colder and colder and suffer from hypothermia if they’re out there too long.”
23460 Cinema Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
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