With Easter looking different this year with social distancing, it may be easy to overlook some ways our pets can get into mischief this holiday. Be aware of these top Easter hazards to prevent a trip out to the veterinary emergency room.
- Eggs — Hard-boiled and plastic eggs can harm your pet in various ways, so ensure you count the number of eggs you hide during your egg hunt and check that all have been picked up. Hard-boiled eggs can spoil after a few days outdoors, which can cause your dog gastrointestinal issues if she hunts one down, while a plastic egg can also make her ill if crushed and eaten.
- Easter grass — Although pretty, Easter grass is similar to glitter—impossible to thoroughly clean up and eradicate from your home. Unfortunately, your pet may be intrigued by this basket decoration, and nibble on stray grass strands. Cats, in particular, tend to eat string and thread, which can get tied up in their intestinal tract, and become a linear foreign body.
- Chocolate and candy — Easter ranks right up there with Halloween and Christmas for hoards of candy and chocolate. Both of these sweet treats can be hazardous to pets, especially if xylitol is used in place of sugar. The foil and plastic wrappers also pose a threat.
- Table scraps — Juicy Easter ham, buttery mashed potatoes, and rich gravy should only grace your table, not your pet’s food dish. Although delicious, these table scraps are high in fat, which can lead to a potentially life-threatening case of pancreatitis in your pet. Opt for healthier options, such as fresh fruits and veggies, or a small bite of lean meat, as treats for your pet.
- Easter lilies — These gorgeous flowers may look beautiful in the center of your table, but to cats, they are extremely toxic and can be deadly. Every single part of the flower is hazardous to your feline friend, who can suffer from severe, irreversible kidney failure if she eats less than a single leaf or grooms pollen off her fur and she is not treated early enough.
If you have any questions or concerns about pet safety, please contact us. Happy Easter from all of us at Animal House Veterinary Center!