Easter is an enjoyable time of year, with many high foods and activities for those who celebrate. But did you know that some of the things that are great for humans, can be toxic or dangerous to our pets?
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your holiday:
Chocolate is toxic to our furry family members!
Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine which is toxic to animals. Some chocolates also contain caffeine which is terrible for them as well. The darker the chocolate, the worse it is for our pets. Chocolate can have many adverse effects on our pets. These can include gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, tremors, seizures, hyperactivity, and elevation in heart rate. Severe chocolate toxicity can also result in death. Hiding chocolate eggs at Easter time is fun for the whole family, just be sure to protect them in places pets cannot reach. You would be surprised at the extremes some pets will go to just for a taste of chocolate!
Xylitol is an ingredient in many sugary candies, especially low sugar type candies. It is an artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets. Please keep all candy away from your pets! Also be sure to keep them away from other human foods that may be present over the weekend, such as cookies and ham. Pancreatitis is very common in animals after they eat fatty, salty, or sugary foods. If your pet ingests something they shouldn’t have, please take them to a veterinarian right away.
Easter decorations can pose a hazard!
Pets commonly ingest plastic Easter grass that many people use to decorate kids Easter baskets. This causes blockages and requires major surgery to save the pet. Cats especially are usually tempted to eat this as it looks like string. Curious pets can also ingest other decorations and lead to gastrointestinal upset or severe blockages. Signs your pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t have include vomiting, lethargy, stomach pain, diarrhea, and a decrease in appetite.
Toxic Plants
Many people get lovely flower bouquets for Easter time. While beautiful, many flowers are extremely toxic to our pets. Lillies are incredibly toxic to cats. Exposure to any part of the plant can result in severe sickness or death. This includes the water they are in, as well as the pollen. Lilies can cause a severe gastrointestinal upset as well as acute kidney failure. If your pet ingests flowers of any kind, please touch base with a vet clinic as soon as possible.
Easter usually means the start of springtime weather (we hope anyway!). Many people begin to garden and perform other outdoor activities this time of year. Please keep in mind that many herbicides and fertilizers are toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach, and keep pets indoors when applying these products.
These are all important things to keep in mind as Easter weekend approaches. Let’s all keep our furry friends safe! Happy Easter everyone!
Written by Mikaila Cariou RVT