Having a pet around the house may change the way you celebrate certain holidays, and that includes Easter. Pets are attracted to shiny objects, or things that have a tantalizing smell. Taking the time to make sure your best friend stays safe during the holiday will make it a happy time for everyone!
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There is so much to enjoy about the Easter season, especially for kids but we adults enjoy it too. It can be a happy time with treats and egg hunts and special celebrations with family. But like most holidays, there are serious dangers for our pets at Easter.
Remember not to give your furry friends chocolate, which contains theobromine, a chemical toxic especially to dogs, but also to cats. If you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate, you may want to contact your veterinarian.
The Easter basket itself may pose a danger, because of the plastic grass that, if eaten, can cause an obstruction in an animal’s digestive system. Foil candy wrappings can do the same thing. If your furry friend does injest something that interferes with its system, surgery may be necessary to save your pet’s life.
Even non-chocolate candy can be a hazard to an animal if it contains the artificial sweetner, Xylitol. In dogs it can cause an dramatic drop blood sugar, and can lead to liver failure and death.
Last on my list today is the beautiful Easter Lily, a plant that, in cats, can cause major digestive problems, seizures and even death. If your cat eats any part of an Easter Lily, time is critical – your pet needs immediate medical attention.
So, how can you enjoy Easter with your best friend? Give your cat a new toy and play with it. Our cat loves something tied to the end of a string, especially if the other end is attached to a stick and we can flick it and make it fly through the air.
Your dog might like its own Easter basket, with doggie treats and a new chew toy or ball. A friend plays hide and seek with her dog – she hides doggy treats in the yard and helps her four-legged buddy sniff them out. Your kids could do the same thing with their furry friend.
A lot of folks adopted new pets last year when they were quarantined at home, so for many this might be the first Easter with your furry family member. Taking a few precautions will help to ensure the family stays happy, and healthy, when you’re speaking of pets.
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