2018-03-29 15:07:08
Easter for children can mean egg hunts, baskets of candy, and going to the mall to meet the Easter Bunny. Easter for our pets can mean temptations to chew, ingest, and lick things that aren’t good for them. With Easter right around the corner, here are a few tips to help you keep your pet safe through the Easter celebrations.
1: Say No to Easter Grass. Easter grass can make a baskets look really pretty but can be dangerous for dogs and cats if they chew on it or ingest it. Use tissue paper instead or, if you do use Easter grass, keep those baskets out of reach of your pets.
2: Keep Chocolate Away from Pets. Chocolate contains theobromine and can cause hyperactivity, seizures, and an elevated heart rate in dogs. Be sure to keep the Easter stash hidden and away from your dog.
3: Sugar Substitute Xylitol is Toxic to Pets. The sugar substitute xylitol, a sweetener which is often found in candy, gum and some baked goods, is toxic to dogs and cats. A drop in blood sugar can occur and cause problems such as seizures and liver failure if ingested. Put your dog in another room while the kids celebrate Easter and dive into that basket of candy and chocolate.
4: Easter Lilies Are Toxic to Cats. Cats think Easter lilies are pretty too, and they often have a tendency to chew on them. These flowers are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and lethargy. If your cat has a tendency to jump on every surface in the house, be sure to find a safe, out-of-the-way place to display the flowers. Better yet, avoid having Easter lilies in the house to keep your cat safe.
5: Table Scraps Can Be Harmful to Pets. The spices, and fat content in table scraps can make your pet ill, upset their stomach, or cause other problems such as obesity and behavior problems. Remind your family and guests to not give any food to the dog. A good idea is to crate your dog during dinner or have him hang out in another room with a toy or Kong with some treats to distract him.
6: Don’t Lose Track of Where You Hide Easter Eggs. Real or fake eggs might be mistaken as a treat or toy by your dog and if he eats or chews on a fake plastic egg, it can cause intestinal problems. Real eggs that have been forgotten during an Easter egg hunt can spoil and if your dog finds them a few days later and eats them, expect an upset stomach. Keep track of the number of eggs you hide in your yard and where they are to gather up any undiscovered ones after the hunt is over.
7: Stuffed Easter Toys for Kids May Not Be Suitable for Pets. The plastic, stuffing or other parts of stuffed bunnies, chickens, and other Easter toys can cause serious intestinal blockages or an upset stomach if swallowed. Keep the baskets out of reach of your pet.
8: Crowds Can Be a Challenge with Pets. It’s always best to keep pets in a quiet room away from the clamor of visiting friends, family, and guests. Make your pet comfortable with some food, water, and their bed. They’ll appreciate the time alone, and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind knowing that your pet is safe.
About Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control
You can view a list of the many wonderful pets we have available for adoption by visiting our PetFinder website at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IA125.html. Shelter hours are Monday-Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m.