Spread the love, not the chocolate
Safety Tips for Pets for Easter, Valentine’s, or any day of the year…
Valentine’s is just past, and Easter is almost upon us … and you know what that means – the giant, red, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate have come and gone, Easter baskets loaded with chocolate bunnies, candy eggs and lots of other sweet things are just around the corner! Sweets may be fine for your sweeties — but not for your pet. American Dog Club – thanks to our friends at Central Veterinary Associates – urge pet owners to keep their dogs and cats safe and healthy by following these tips:
Some snacks that people like to eat can be bad for your puppy.
Keep all candy, especially chocolate, away from your pet. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to pets. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea or a rapid heartbeat, and possibly death.
Keep lollipops and any candy with sticks out of your pet’s reach. These sticks, if swallowed, can potentially block or cut through an area from the stomach to the intestines.
Dispose of empty candy wrappers.These materials cannot be digested and may cause a blockage or inflammation of the stomach or intestines.
Be careful of sugar-free candy, as it can be toxic to your pet if it contains the ingredient xylitol.
“I’m always surprised how many pets get sick from candy during Valentine’s Day,” says Dr. Aaron Vine, Vice President, Central Veterinary Associates. “In some rare instances, ingestion of chocolate or xylitol-containing candy can even lead to death.”
It is extremely important that if your pet ingests chocolate, candy containing xylitol, or is acting sick that they be brought to your veterinarian immediately.
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.