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Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin’ down the bunny trail. While this can mean lots of brightly colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, and jelly beans for us, it could have potential hazards for your pets. Here are six safety tips to keep your animals safe when celebrating Easter this year.
1. Avoid Easter Grass
It looks pretty in an Easter basket, but it is also enticing to your dogs and cats. They cannot help but chew on it, and if ingested, it can be dangerous. Consider using tissue paper as an alternative. If you do use plastic grass, take extra care to keep those baskets out of reach of your pets.
2. Beware of Chocolate Bunnies
Or any chocolate for that matter. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause hyperactivity, seizures, and an elevated heart rate in dogs. If your dog does get into the Easter stash, it is vital you contact your veterinarian immediately.
3. Cats and Easter Lilies
Easter lilies are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and lethargy. Because cats love to explore and jump on every available surface, it can be challenging to keep these flowers out of their reach. While they are beautiful, it is best to avoid decorating with these flowers if you have feline friends.
4. People Food is Not Pet Food
Table scraps can be terrible for your pet. There are lots of ingredients, spices, and fat content that can make your pet ill or upset their stomach. Try fixing a special pet-friendly treat for your furkids to have during the meal, so they are not tempted to beg or go foraging in the kitchen on their own.
5. Keep Track of the Easter Eggs
If your dog munches on a fake plastic egg, the shards of hard plastic can cause intestinal damage. Hard-boiled eggs that are forgotten can be found later by a curious pup. If this happens, expect an upset stomach from eating spoiled eggs. Keep track of how many eggs you hide and their locations. Make sure you collect them all before ending your Easter egg hunt.
6. Not All Stuffed Animals are Created Equally
The stuffed chicks and bunnies for Easter baskets are not meant to be toys for dogs. They are easily torn apart, and your dog can ingest plastic and stuffing. Make sure your furkids have their own chew toys, so they don’t steal them out of Easter baskets.
Hope you have a safe and blessed Easter holiday!