For many, Easter celebrations include special seasonal dishes, pastel eggs, sweets, and time spent with family- including our four-legged friends, of course. There are plenty of fun ways to involve your pets in Easter celebrations, but it is important to pay attention to the environment, especially if it’s not your home. After all, nothing puts a damper on a holiday celebration like an emergency vet visit.

Before the Easter bunny visits you and your furry companion, be sure to check out our list of potential Easter hazards.

Easter Hazards to Avoid

Food

Chocolate, alcohol, and xylitol (a common sweetener) are just a few toxins to be aware of, but it’s really best to avoid feeding pets human food altogether unless it is something made specifically for them with 100% pet-safe ingredients. Our best rule of thumb for feeding your pets at the holidays? Stick to their regular diet. We know those begging eyes might tug at your heartstrings, but unless you’ve prepared it, you have no way of knowing whether a dish contains any off-limits ingredients. Also, straying too far from their regular diet could result in digestive issues including vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and loss of appetite.

(Psst… If you’re looking for a special treat for your pup, these DIY dog biscuits are easy to whip up and could be cut in cute Easter shapes!).

Easter Egg Hunt

If you think the candy inside those plastic eggs is tempting to you, imagine how your pooch must feel! An Easter egg hunt undoubtedly sounds like a really fun idea to your dog, whose keen sense of smell can pick up the scent of sugary treats littered all over the yard or house. Not only does the sweet treat inside of the Easter egg pose a potential health risk, it’s highly unlikely that your pup will go to the trouble to open the egg to remove the candy- he’ll probably eat the whole thing. If ingested, plastic Easter eggs can cause a blockage or any number of other serious internal issues.

Hard-boiled Easter eggs are unlikely to cause harm to pets as long as they haven’t been sitting out long enough to spoil. Most Easter egg dyes are non-toxic, and shouldn’t pose a risk if ingested.

Decor

In addition to sweet-smelling foods, Easter décor can make for an irresistible temptation for dogs and cats alike. Plastic Easter grass is especially enticing for feisty felines who enjoy batting it around and stringing it throughout the house. If consumed, it can lead to an intestinal blockage and cause internal damage.

Plants

Lilies may be an Easter staple, but they are extremely toxic to cats. According to the APCC (Animal Poison Control Center), “exposure to any parts of the plant can result in kidney injury and gastrointestinal upset.” If you don’t have a place in your home where you can keep lilies out of your cat’s reach, it’s best to pass on these Easter plants.

Large crowds

Even the most social pets can become skittish or nervous around large crowds. Be sure to keep your pet on a leash or in a fenced area if you plan to have them outside of the house. If your pet doesn’t do well with new people, it’s a good idea to make accommodations to allow them to be comfortable while you celebrate- whether that means crating them in a quiet room in your home, or boarding them at a reputable place while you travel. A calming aid could help your pet cope with any nervousness they might have.

Outdoor hazards

Now is the time when many people begin gardening and lawn care. Keep your eyes peeled for herbicides and fertilizers that may be at your pet’s level. It’s also worth noting that many pets can experience discomfort around this time of year with increased outdoor exposure. From allergies to insect bites and other skin irritations, it’s a good idea to have items on hand to help relieve your pet’s symptoms.

To learn about the Essential Pet brand and our trusted products, please visit www.21stessentialpet.com

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