Happy spring and happy Easter to animal lovers!
Now that the winter has subsided and the heat wave is returning here in Greece, our thoughts turn to Easter. As a result, it is time to talk about the potential dangers our pets may face during the festivities.
During Easter, the biggest risks to be aware of for pets are food items, wine and visitors to your home.
To prevent these risks we have named 8 that you should pay special attention to, as well as some alternatives for pets:
Plants
If you like to decorate your home with plants or fresh cut flowers, you will want to stay away from using lilies. According to the ASPCA, Easter lilies, as well as daffodil, are highly toxic to cats if ingested. Vomiting and lethargy are the first signs of plant toxicity. Call your vet immediately if you think your cat has eaten any part of one of these plants. If left untreated, the toxicity can progress to kidney failure and death. Other spring plants that can be toxic to cats and dogs include tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and lily of the valley.
Easter grass
Blue, green, yellow, pink, purple, all the colors of the rainbow... Easter grass is used in decorations and especially in the baskets delivered by the Easter bunny. It's fun for kids to search for these last treats. However, Easter grass can pose a deadly threat to pets if ingested. Like Christmas ornaments, Easter grass is considered a linear foreign body by veterinarians. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, straining to defecate, and abdominal pain. You may also see pieces of grass coming out of the mouth or anus.
Do not attempt to pull visible strings of grass, as this can cause more internal damage if the piece is long and gets caught too far into the animal's body. While this risk is more common in cats, dogs have been known to consume this species. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested Easter grass. A great alternative to Easter grass is Eco-grass, which is made from recycled paper.
Chocolate
As a pet owner, you should know that chocolate is poisonous for furry family members. The toxic ingredients in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine. The level of toxicity based on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the size of your pet. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your pet. Chocolate becomes toxic at a rate of 100 to 150 milligrams per kilogram of your pet's weight. Too much chocolate can cause gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, nervous system stimulation (hyperactivity, tremors and seizures) and increased heart rate.
According to Pets WebMD, chocolate can be deadly for cats and dogs. Although most cats will not eat chocolate on their own, they can convince owners and others that they believe they are giving the cat a treat.
Xylitol
Candy containing the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, is toxic to dogs and cats. It can be found in candy, chewing gum, and some baked goods. If your pet ingests xylitol, it can cause a drop in blood sugar and cause problems such as seizures and liver failure. Read ingredient labels carefully and avoid using candies containing this sweetener in your Easter baskets.
Human food / table scraps
Fatty meats such as ham and lamb can cause severe abdominal and intestinal discomfort for your pet, as well as diarrhea and pancreatitis. Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic should also be kept away from your pet. Each item causes its own form of toxic death in your pet's cardiovascular, neurological and/or digestive systems. Remind your children and visitors not to give human food to the family dog.
Easter games
Stuffed toys, with hard plastic or button eyes and noses, can be swallowed by your pet and cause a choking hazard, stomach upset and intestinal obstruction. Plastic Easter eggs can become dangerous and sharp in your dog's intestinal tract if he chews and crushes them. Choose the right toys and gifts for your children, especially if your dog is prone to chewing things he shouldn't or if you have a very curious kitten.
Easter eggs
If you dye hard-boiled eggs, use natural food coloring. These come from a wide range of sources such as vegetables, fruits, plants, minerals and other natural edible sources and are safe alternatives.
Gatherings
If you have an anxious pet that may not do well with large gatherings, it's a good idea to put them in a room where they'll be comfortable away from the hustle and bustle. This will help keep your pets and visitors safe from injuries that can be caused by falling on the pet, having the pet jump on them, or stepping on the pet.
It will also prevent indoor-only pets from escaping the house as people come and go. Play soft music or turn on the TV to create a distraction for your pet while they relax in a safer environment.
