Discussing The Many Hazards To Pets That Comes With The Easter Holiday And How To Protect Your Pets From Them
As Easter approaches, many households prepare for festivities filled with colorful eggs, chocolate treats, and joyful gatherings. However, amidst the excitement, it’s important to remember that some of these Easter traditions and foods can pose significant risks to your pets. From chocolate toxicity to decorative hazards, Easter celebrations require extra caution when furry friends are in the house.
This article will take an in-depth look into Easter hazards that can affect pets and offer solutions to help keep your pets safe this Easter.
Easter Chocolate & Candy
Chocolate is synonymous with Easter, but it’s also one of the most dangerous substances for pets. This is especially true for dogs and cats. This is because chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Both of which are toxic to dogs and cats. Common symptoms of pets ingesting chocolate are vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
Therefore, it’s very important to keep all chocolate goodies, chocolate candies, chocolate eggs, and chocolate baked goods out of your pet’s reach. Additionally, be sure to also keep any Easter candy out of your pet’s reach as well. Most candies contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, that pets can’t properly digest. If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate or candy, call your veterinarian immediately. You can also utilize the Pet Poison Helpline by calling 855-764-7661.
Easter Lilies And Other Toxic Plants
Easter lilies are a common sight during Easter. However, they’re highly toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested. Even small amounts of lily pollen or leaves can lead to kidney failure. The same is true of other plants commonly used as Easter decorations such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
Therefore, it’s imperative that you keep such plants out of your pets’ reach. Ensure these plants are kept in areas inaccessible to your furry friends such as a high shelf or a room they can’t go into. Alternatively, you can also invest in plastic flowers or plants to celebrate Easter instead. For more information about what plants are toxic to pets, click here.
Easter Basket Contents
Easter baskets brimming with goodies like candies, toys, and trinkets are a staple of the Easter holiday. However, the contents of these baskets can be hazardous to pets if left unattended. Small items like plastic grass, foil candy wrappers, and toy parts can be ingested and cause intestinal blockages or other health issues.
Therefore, we recommend keeping Easter baskets out of your pet’s reach at all times. When not in use, keep Easter baskets on a high shelf, table, or area that is inaccessible to your pets. Additionally, be sure to supervise children when they open and/or receive Easter baskets. Do this to ensure they don’t leave any of the contents lying around for your pets to accidentally eat.
Easter Feasts
Another common Easter tradition is Easter dinners/feasts. While these large-scale meals often feature a variety of delicious foods, most of those foods are not suitable for pets. Rich, fatty foods like ham or lamb bones can cause pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats.
Additionally, other ingredients like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol (a common sweetener) are also toxic to pets and should be kept off their menu. Instead, offer pet-friendly treats or stick to their regular diet to prevent digestive issues. Also, be sure to let your dinner guests know that your pets should not be given table scraps under any circumstances. No matter how cute they are!
Create A Stress-Free Environment
Easter gatherings can be overwhelming for pets due to increased noise, activity, and unfamiliar faces. Stress and anxiety can lead to negative side effects in pets such as diarrhea, excessive shedding, excessive licking, and destructive behavior.
Therefore, we suggest providing a quiet, safe space where your pets can retreat if they feel stressed or anxious. You can make this safe space more relaxing with things like soft blankets, background noise, and some of their favorite toys. Also, consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or calming treats to help them relax amidst the festivities.
Identification & Emergency Preparedness
With the hustle and bustle of Easter celebrations, there’s an increased risk of pets escaping or getting lost. Therefore, it’s very important to make sure your pets are wearing properly fitting collars with up-to-date identification tags. Also, consider having your pets microchipped as a permanent form of identification. Lastly, keep contact information for your veterinarian and emergency animal clinic handy in case of any unforeseen incidents.
Looking For A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker This Easter Holiday?
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