The Easter season can be a very joyous one for you – and your pet! But our friends at Central Veterinary Associates want you to know that it is just as important to make sure it is a safe one. We wanted to be sure to share their tips to keep your pets free from danger while enjoying the holiday’s festivities:
Keep pets away from the Easter grass
Cats and some other pets are attracted to string-like objects, especially those that make interesting sounds. Easter grass has that attractive quality and some pets end up eating it. However, it can cause blockage in the stomach. Symptoms include vomiting, straining to defecate and a painful abdomen. If your pet eats Easter grass, call a veterinarian immediately.
Be sure to find all the Easter eggs before your pet does. Chocolate contains theobromine, which, for dogs, can result in diarrhea, seizures and worse.
Avoid feeding human food to your pets
People love to feed their pets food under the table during holidays, but they may unknowingly harm their animals. Any change in a pet’s diet can lead to diarrhea. High-fat foods can cause vomiting to occur also. Chocolate contains theobromine, which, for dogs, can result in diarrhea, seizures and death. Chicken, fish and turkey bones can break off and tear through an animal’s intestinal tract.
Keep pets away from the Easter grass that is popular to use in baskets.
Be sure to find all the Easter eggs before your pet does
The Easter egg hunt is a family tradition at most households and, sometimes, pets want to participate. But a piece of a broken eggshell, when ingested, may pierce the inside of their stomachs. Also, your pet may choke on the egg if he or she attempts to swallow it whole.
Put away cleaning supplies after cleaning up
In the rush to get the house ready for the holidays, pet owners might leave cleaning products within their pet’s reach. Floor cleaner, furniture polish and window cleaner are considered toxins. Be sure to place cleaning products that are not in use away in an area where animals cannot reach them.
Put away children’s toys after opening them
Like Christmas, Easter is becoming a popular holiday for children to get toys. Pets may think of children’s toys as their own personal chew toys. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls become ingested, causing blockages. These objects would need to be surgically removed.
Keep holiday plants out of reach
Easter lilies and related plants are highly toxic if ingested. The first signs include vomiting, lethargy and, if left untreated, may lead to renal (kidney) failure or even death. Another spring flower, the daffodil, is also toxic. Your pet should be kept away from plants. Be sure to put them somewhere your pet can’t get to them.
Hold onto your drinks
Coffee and tea contain dangerous components called xanthines, which cause the damage to the dog’s nervous system or gastrointestinal tract and heart muscle stimulation. Animals are also attracted to the sweet smell of alcohol. Each year, hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol consumption. Keep such drinks out of reach.
When meeting visitors for the first time, pets can be overexcited.
Give your pets some room
When meeting visitors for the first time, pets can be overexcited. Your pet may jump on the visitor or act aggressively by barking or hissing. Some pets may also urinate on the floor. When hosting a party, set up a separate area for your pets with plenty of food and water.
By taking these necessary precautions, the Easter season will be a happy one for both you and your pet!
“By taking these necessary precautions, the Easter season will be a happy one for both you and your pet,” said CVA Chief Operating Officer Dr. Frank DeFeis DVM. “In the event that your pet gets sick, our Valley Stream hospital is open 24 hours a day, including Easter Sunday.”
For more information or to make an appointment, call (516) 825-3066 or visit www.centralvets.com.
Central Veterinary Associates’ Valley Stream office is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, or to make an appointment, call Central Veterinary Associates at (516) 825-3066 or visit www.centralvets.com.
By Wendy Donahue, for American Dog Club
About American Dog Club: Our mission is to provide world class puppies that set the standard of excellence. We are passionate about our obligation to our puppies and customers. Our goal is to help you connect with the right special puppy. All our puppies are selected personally from our experienced puppy specialist to insure health, temperament and quality. All of our puppies will be AKC registered at time of purchase and a free vet package is provided. Each and every potential parent must receive a 45 minute orientation on the care, feeding and housebreaking of your new baby. We offer support and training to properly care for your new family member. American Dog Club does not support puppy mills, hobby or back yard breeders.