As Easter approaches, pet owners are urged to take extra care to protect their pets from potential hazards that come from the Easter holiday festivities. These simple steps will ensure a safe and enjoyable Spring break for pets and pet parents alike!
Here are a few simple steps will reap dividends for an enjoyable and safe Easter festivities for pets and pet parents!
Dangerous Decorations
Did you know that common Easter decorations, such as eggs, feathers, and flowers, can be dangerous for pets and may lead to emergency trips to the vet? Pets often get into trouble by chewing on inappropriate objects, which can get stuck in their stomachs or intestines or cause poisoning. This could include Easter decorations, leftover Easter eggs, or ornamental plants. It is advised to keep Easter eggs and decorations out of reach of pets and avoid feeding them food scraps that contain harmful ingredients like salt, onions, or garlic.
Hazardous Foods
While most pet owners are aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, raisins and grapes are also dangerous. These fruits can cause acute kidney failure in pets, though cats are less likely to consume them. Chocolate, a common treat in Easter eggs, contains theobromine, which dogs cannot process. In particular, dark chocolate contains higher levels of cocoa and theobromine, making it more toxic to dogs – even small amounts can cause poisoning. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs include excessive drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased thirst and frequent urination. If a pet has ingested something harmful or an object is stuck in their digestive system emergency veterinary care may be needed, possibly involving surgery to remove the object. Watch for signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite or abdominal discomfort.
To keep your pet safe this Easter, consider offering a soft toy or spending time with them in a fun, safe way (such as a play session) or a walk to let them explore before the holiday activities begin.
Cat Care
Cats can be particularly drawn to Easter decorations, such as fluffy chicks, tinsel and other ornaments. Unfortunately, these can cause digestive problems if swallowed, or lead to the need for surgery to remove foreign objects. It’s important to keep decorations out of reach of curious cats and supervise them during celebrations.
Importantly, one of the most dangerous plants for cats is the Lily. Lilies from the Lilium and Hemerocallis families are highly toxic to cats and if ingested, can cause severe kidney damage. If you suspect your cat has consumed any part of a lily— flower, leaf or even the water in the vase—it’s crucial to contact a vet immediately. The water that the flowers are placed in and pollen from the flowers are also toxic, so make sure your cat doesn’t have access to them.
In conclusion, let’s celebrate Easter in a way that keeps our pets safe and healthy. By taking a few simple precautions, we can enjoy the festivities without putting our beloved animals at risk.
