Easter is one of my favourite holidays. Between the chocolate, the bright spring colours, the chocolate, the cute little ducks and bunnies on everything, and the chocolate, I can’t imagine a more perfect time of the year!
Unfortunately, Easter is also a time in the year when vets and poison control helplines see a rise in calls due to pets ingesting harmful substances.
Here are a few quick pet tips to keep your furry loved ones safe this Easter:
- Easter lillies are highly toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause severe kidney failure. If you think your pet may have ingested Easter lillies, take them to an emergency vet right away. Early symptoms may include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration, with other symptoms such as disorientation, staggering and seizures later on.
- A number of other flowers and plants can also be toxic and deadly to pets, so be sure to keep Fluffy and Fido away from floral arrangements and table displays. In case of emergency, the Alberta Poison Control Centre can be reached by contacting: (403) 944-1414.
- Chocolate can be a hazard to pets as well. Be sure to keep your pet out of the easter basket and clean up any stray chocolate eggs the kids haven’t found.
- Candies and gum can also be a hazard, especially to dogs. They often contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can lead to a drop in blood sugar, causing seizures and comas.
- Easter grass is often used in baskets and as decoration. My cats especially find this plastic string to be irresistible, however, it can clog intestines and cause vomiting and diarrhea, so be sure to clean up and remove any Easter grass you may have left out.
- Plastic eggs and toys can also be accidentally ingested, especially by dogs, so keep them out of reach.
- Lastly, the best course of action may be keeping your pets out of the kitchen over the holidays. Things like uncooked dough, fatty meats, salty foods, etc – are all very unhealthy for your pet. Instead of feeding them table scraps, consider keeping pet-friendly treats in the house.
Zoe’s Animal Rescue wishes you a safe and happy Easter, for you and your whole family!
