With brighter days, flowers in bloom and chocolate aplenty, it’s no wonder Easter is one of the highlights of the calendar year. But while it is a time for celebration, it also has the potential to be a hazardous event for your beloved pets. But fear not; we’re here with some great tips for keeping pets safe at Easter!
What are the dangers?
The presence of numerous sweet treats in the form of eggs, boxes of chocolates and even hot cross buns in any household can spell bad news for dogs and cats, due to the potentially poisonous nature of these foods to animals. Dogs, in particular, are highly susceptible to chocolate poisoning. Vets report that it is the most common type of poisoning among dogs. Although less common, cats and other animals may also suffer the consequences if they ingest chocolate.
So, how and why is something as delicious as chocolate so dangerous for your pet? Chocolate – and particularly dark chocolate – contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and potentially other animals.
The darker the chocolate, the higher the levels of this toxin are likely to be. How severe the poisoning may be will depend on how dark the chocolate is and the size of your pet, but it is important to note that it can be fatal in some cases, so it is always advisable to contact a vet if you believe your dog may have eaten some.
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Your first clue may be the unexplained disappearance of your favourite Easter egg, but there are other obvious symptoms to look out for, such as unusual hyperactivity, excessive thirst, high temperature, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures.
The best way to ensure your pet stays away from this dangerous sweet treat is to keep all chocolate out of sight and reach, ensuring to pay particular attention during any Easter egg hunts you might be planning.
Keep your pet in a safe place during this time and explain to any children (and adults) taking part that they are not to feed any chocolate to your pet.
It might surprise you to learn that chocolate is not the only no-no for your pets this Easter.
Hot cross buns, a popular and delicious food for this time of year, contain raisins, currants or sultanas, which are also poisonous to pets. Symptoms similar to chocolate poisoning, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, can also be the first indicators that your pet has ingested raisins. However, these symptoms can be followed by kidney failure in extreme cases, so it is always best to contact your vet if you suspect something is wrong. While not specific to Easter, grapes have a similar effect on pets, so add these to your list of forbidden foods!
If you feel bad that your furry friend is missing out on all the Easter foodie fun, there is a way to spoil them without any added dangers. These healthy dog treats are both delicious and nutritious for a happy and healthy dog this Easter.
Keeping pets safe at Easter; pet-proofing your home!
Now that the sweet treats are taken care of, it’s time to make sure your home and garden are pet-friendly zones.
Spring cleaning goes hand-in-hand with this annual holiday, so it’s important to be cautious when scrubbing floors and surfaces. Many cleaning products contain bleach, ammonia and other harmful chemicals that can act as irritants to pets and may even be the cause of serious disease. Keep all products out of reach of pets at all times or consider opting for pet-friendly cleaning agents.
Similarly, your Easter garden can hold some dangers for your family pet as certain plants can be incredibly toxic to animals. The lily plant is a particular enemy of the cat, as every part of it is extremely poisonous to the animal and may even cause kidney failure if ingested. Common Easter flowers like tulips and daffodils can also be a threat to dogs and cats if eaten, so keep a firm eye on your pet when they are roaming the garden and make sure they don’t spend too much time lingering around your flower beds!
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The milder weather that we tend to experience at this time of year can create an ideal environment for ticks or bugs to pester your pet. Keep an eye on your pet’s behaviour and watch for signs of repetitive scratching in the same area, which may indicate the presence of a bug. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors or if you go for a walk in a woodland or overgrown area, check their legs, paws, ears, face and neck for ticks.
Ensuring the health and safety of your furry family member is a priority not just at Easter, but all year round. After all, a happy pet equals a happy pet parent!
