Easter Is Coming: Do Not Kill Your Pets

Easter is a time of celebration. As you celebrate, keep in mind that many items which are commonly associated with Easter can be deadly to pets.

Chocolate

Chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, and other chocolate goodies should be kept away from pets. Chocolate is common at Easter, and none should be given to pets. The darker the chocolate is, the more dangerous and toxic it can be for your pet.

Eggs

Keep all eggs away from pets whether they are real, plastic, or chocolate. The dangers of chocolate eggs are known. However, the risks of real and plastic eggs may not be considered.

Plastic eggs if inhaled or swallowed can cause respiratory tract irritation, obstruction, or digestive issues. Broken pieces of plastic eggs can but a pet’s mouth and paws.

Hardboiled eggs could cause a dog to suffer from digestive issues if they sniff and eat eggs which were leftover from an Easter egg hunt.

One might want to consider writing down where all Easter eggs were hidden and pick them up before letting a dog near the area.

Plastic Easter Grass

Often found in Easter Baskets, pets often like chewing on plastic Easter grass. If swallowed, it could get stuck in the pet’s gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, stomach pain, and reduced appetite.

Xylitol

Xylitol may not be a familiar name or easily recognizes, but the Easter products they are found in are. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in diet candies such as jelly beans, mints, and gum. If a pet consumes this chemical, it can cause their blood pressure to lower and may cause liver failure.

Easter Lilies

The flowers, often given as gifts during Easter are toxic and can be deadly to cats, and may cause kidney failure. One may consider giving flowers which are not toxic to cats such as roses, orchids, violets, daisies, and sunflowers.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

KFVS: How not to kill your pets this Easter
Preventive Vet: Easter fun with Fluffy: Keeping your pets safe and healthy during the holiday

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Regina’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License