Easter is a seasonal milestone, a time to gather with family as the seasons change. As we say goodbye to cooler weather, our pets will be right there at our sides … or at our feet, or on our laps. There are some specific dangers associated with the spring holiday that pet owners should be aware of. Read on as a local vet offers advice that will help you keep your pet safe.
Keep Chocolate Out Of Paws’ Reach
It just wouldn’t be Easter without those chocolate eggs and bunnies. Unfortunately, these tasty treats are very dangerous to our furry pals. Chocolate is particularly concerning. It contains substances called theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to animals.
Some types of chocolate are worse than others. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, as it has the highest concentration of both substances. However, even white chocolate is unsafe.
Keep an eye out for signs of ingestion. These include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Thirst
- Tremors
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid/Erratic Pulse
- Fever
- Panting
- Abdominal pain
More serious signs of chocolate ingestion include seizure, coma, and collapse. Unfortunately, there’s also a chance that the incident could prove fatal. Contact your veterinary clinic immediately if you notice anything amiss.
Don’t Let Pets Near The Candy Jar
Chocolate isn’t the only issue. Many sugar-free candies contain a substance called xylitol, which can cause serious issues, such as a blood sugar drop. It can also cause liver failure. It can be fatal to pets in fairly small doses. Dogs only need to consume about an ounce of chocolate per pound of body weight to suffer serious side effects. Keep in mind that birch sugar is also called xylitol. It’s found in many baked goods, such as cakes, breads, and cookies.
Don’t Use Plastic Grass
Pretty Easter baskets are synonymous with spring. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous. That plastic grass can pose a pretty serious threat! Any type of rope or string is very dangerous. It’s a choking hazard, but if pets swallow it, it can get lodged in their digestive tract. This can lead to blockages and twisting, which can be life-threatening. These issues can be so severe that your pet needs emergency surgery.
Use real grass or tissue paper instead of plastic. If your pet swallows it, they’ve a much better chance of digesting it without issue. (That would still be worth a call to the vet, though.)
Keep Easter Baskets In Safe Places
Easter baskets often contain small items, such as toys and plastic eggs, which can be choking hazards. While some pets will ignore these, others are curious about anything and everything within range. Store toys, baskets, and small decorative pieces in spots Fido and Fluffy can’t reach.
Avoid Dangerous Decorations
Many of the traditional Easter decorations, such as plants, are dangerous to pets.
Lilies, for example, are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage if ingested. In fact, Fluffy only needs to take a tiny sip of the water or nibble on a leaf to ingest potentially deadly amounts of toxin.
Here is a full list of safe and unsafe plants.
Don’t underestimate your pet’s playful antics. Make sure heavier decorations are on sturdy stands, and keep wires and cords safely tucked away.
Offer Suitable Snacks
Many pets get extra adorable when they notice a delicious feast being set up. While it may be tempting to share your Easter dinner, table scraps and human food are not safe for our furry pals.
Many popular Easter main courses, such as ham and turkey, are high in fat and salt. These can cause digestive issues. Items that are very fatty, like butter and cheese, can lead to pancreatitis in dogs and cats.
Many people foods are also unsafe. Some of the most dangerous include alcohol, avocados, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, garlic, onions, chives, xylitol, macadamia nuts, citrus fruits, many dairy products, grapes and raisins, raw dough, and yeast.
If you want to give your pet a treat, offer a bit of cooked lean meat or vegetables as a special treat instead of feeding them from the table.
Create a Safe and Quiet Space
Are you having guests for Easter dinner? Some pets love company, and will enjoy the chance to seek extra pets and belly rubs. Others are petrified of guests and noise. Anything that is a major change from the day-to-day can be disruptive. You may want to provide your pet with a quiet place, where they can get away from the noise or commotion.
Pick a specific room, and make it fun and comfy for your pet by adding bedding and toys. You can also play background music or turn on pet TV. You may want to use a baby gate at the door so Fido and Fluffy don’t feel too isolated.
Even if your pet is friendly, it’s best to keep them safely out of the way
Eggs
Planning on having an Easter Egg hunt? Go around after and make sure that all of those pretty colored eggs have been picked up. Dogs often snap up eggs they find, so you don’t want Fido eating one a week from now.
Garbage
The trash from a big feast is always going to be a bit dangerous. It may contain things like fat trimmings, toothpicks, plastic wrap, bones, tin foil, and other unsafe objects. If your dog is tall enough to get into the garbage, use a trash can with a closed lid.
Parasites
As it starts to get warmer, the risk of parasitic infestations will grow. Fleas, ticks, and heartworms can all be extremely dangerous. We generally recommend keeping pets on parasite control all year long. Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance for pets. They pose serious health risks that can lead to discomfort, illness, and even life-threatening conditions. Flea infestations, for example, can cause intense itching, skin infections, and allergic reactions in both dogs and cats. Severe infestations can lead to anemia, especially in smaller or younger animals. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms if a pet ingests an infected flea while grooming.
Ticks, on the other hand, are known carriers of dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can affect both people and pets. Because ticks latch onto a pet’s skin and feed on their blood, they can go unnoticed for days, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Preventing flea and tick infestations is crucial for a pet’s well-being. Regular use of veterinarian-approved preventatives, routine grooming, and thorough checks after outdoor activities can help keep pets safe. Since fleas and ticks can also infest homes, treating the environment is just as important as treating the animal itself. That means vacuuming and dusting regularly, and washing your pet’s bedding and toys.
Ask your vet for more information on parasite control.
Make an Appointment At Our Pet Clinic
Happy Easter! Do you have questions or concerns about your beloved pet’s health or care? Are you looking for a great veterinarian in the area? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are dedicated to offering top-notch care, and are always happy to help!
