Easter Pet Safety Strategies You Can Count On

There are so many wonderful things for your pet to see and smell during the spring season. The whole world seems to be bursting with light and life, and every four-legged animal wants to be in the middle of it. Because of this, Easter is one of the most memorable holidays for pets and people alike. To help your pet get the most out of the spring, it is vital that they remain protected from every possible threat to their health and well-being. With our Easter pet safety tips, you and your best pal can enjoy all the flowers, colors, and delights. 

The Biggest Culprit

There are several common risks to Easter pet safety. Of these, perhaps chocolate is the biggest culprit. Infamous for landing innumerable pets in the hospital around Easter (and Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas), chocolate contains dangerous levels of caffeine and the chemical compound theobromine. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, heart failure, vomiting, nausea, and even death. 

Please exercise extreme caution when hiding Easter eggs, opening candy wrappers, and leaving trash unattended. If you know or suspect that your pet ate chocolate, please contact The Urban Pet right away.

No Candy Is Safe

As a gentle reminder, pets can also suffer from serious health complications if they eat other candies, too. Xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, is not only highly dangerous but very common in gummy candy, gum, mints, baked goods, and more. The consumption of candy with regular sugar is also not good for pets, but may send victims to the ER less often than Xylitol toxicity.

Beautiful but Toxic

The most famous botanical specimen associated with Easter is, of course, the lily. Even just a quick sample of lily pollen can cause severe illness, especially for cats. The entire plant, from the stem to the petal, is toxic. Because the stamen of lilies is typically covered with pollen, it is best to not have these blooms anywhere inside the home or even growing in the garden. Even the water in the vase is dangerous. Irreversible kidney damage is a common result of lily ingestion.

The Feast

Most celebratory households enjoy a large feast at Easter, and every pet knows it. Ingestion of the following foods can overthrow any attempts at Easter pet safety:

• Fatty meats
• Gravy
• Raw yeast dough
• Bones
• Buttery side dishes
• Savory stuffing made with onions, garlic, or sage
• Anything with grapes, raisins, or currants
• Macadamia nuts

Try to prepare food while your pet is safely cordoned off in another room. Distract them during your family dinner by providing them with a plate of safe, delicious, and healthy goodies, such as steamed carrots or sweet potato, bite-sized apple pieces, corn off the cob, and more. 

Always watch your pet’s behavior closely, and monitor them throughout the day. If you ever have questions about Easter pet safety and how to protect your pet from harm call us at (615) 356-8993.