We would be remiss not to remind everyone that POULTRY AND RABBITS ARE NOT CUTE EASTER PETS! OK, now with that out of the way let’s talk about keeping our furry family members safe this holiday…
Chocolate contains theobromine and can cause seizures, hyperactivity, an elevated heart rate and other undesirable conditions in dogs. Please be SURE to keep all chocolate out of harm’s way!
Candy that has the sugar substitute xylitol, a sweetener, is toxic to dogs and cats. You can usually count on it being in candy, gum, and even some baked goods. If your pet ingests it, a drop in blood sugar can occur and cause problems such as seizures and liver failure. It may be prudent to put your dog in another room while the kids celebrate Easter and dive into that basket o’ sweets!
Easter grass does make a basket pretty…and irresistible to dogs and cats. They love to chew this stuff but if ingested it can be dangerous. A safer substitute is tissue paper.
Easter lilies may be pretty but cats have a tendency to chew on them. In reality, these flowers are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and lethargy. If your cat is capable of jumping on tables and counters it may be best to avoid having Easter lilies in the house…just to keep your cat safe.
Real or fake eggs might be mistaken as a treat or toy by your dog. If your pooch chews on a fake plastic egg, it can cause intestinal problems. On the other hand, real eggs that have been forgotten during an Easter egg hunt can spoil. If your dog finds them a few days later and eats them, expect an upset stomach. Good idea to keep track of the number of eggs you have hidden and where so you can check there are none left after the hunt!
Table scraps from Easter meals can be bad for your pet. The ingredients, spices, and fat content can make your pet ill, cause gastrointestinal distress, or add to a myriad of other problems like obesity and behavior problems. It is up to YOU to remind your family and guests to not give any food to the dog. Your dog begs? Well, you may need to crate your dog during dinner or have him hang out in another room with a toy or Kong with some treats as a distraction.
Stuffed Easter toys for the kids too often wind up as toys for the dog. Stuffed bunnies and chickens, as well as various plastic toys can be chewed and swallowed after being slobbered on by a pet. Your dog may also swallow plastic, stuffing, or other small pieces causing intestinal blockages or an upset tummy. Keep the baskets out of reach of your pet!
Finally, CROWDS can overwhelm a pet. Houses filled with family, friends and guests can be too much for some cats and dogs. If your pets fall into this category, crating your dog in a room away from the guests or putting your cat in the bedroom is the best solution with some food, water, and a bed. It simply cuts down on having them get into trouble, eating something they shouldn’t, or being frightened by all the people and noise.
