Consider Food Safety
Easter food is a big part of the holiday celebration but can pose a big risk for unsupervised pets. The following are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to toxic foods for dogs:
- Easter candy: Chocolate(especially dark chocolate or cocoa) and xylitol (a popular sweetener) are very toxic for pets. Avoid giving any kind of Easter candy to your pets, no matter how much they beg. Note: Xylitol may be labeled as other things, so all artificial sweeteners should be avoided.
- Raisins: Raisins are toxic for dogs.
- Nuts: Many kinds of nuts are toxic for animals.
- Hot cross buns: If you go full-out for Easter and include hot cross buns in your celebration, be very careful with them near your pets. Many recipes call for dried fruit ingredients that can be dangerous to animals.
You should always supervise your pets near your Easter food. Secure the trash so your curious dog or cat can’t find something they shouldn’t have in the garbage can.
Pay Attention to Decorations
Many Easter decorations contain small pieces that can become choking hazards for pets. The fake grass used in Easter baskets can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed. Use caution when choosing Easter decorations. Place any potentially dangerous decorations far out of reach of your pets. Please note: Easter lilies are toxic for both cats and dogs, so do not leave your pets unsupervised with these flowers.
Make Pet-Safe Activities
While there are plenty of no-gos for pets when it comes to Easter, there are simple ways you can include them in the fun without posing any risks to their health or safety. Consider adding some of the following pet-safe activities to your celebration this year:
Pet-Safe Easter Egg Hunt
While real and smaller plastic eggs can be dangerous for pets, you can create an “egg” hunt by hiding some pet-friendly toys or treats in a safe area. Pets love to feel included, and this gives them a holiday activity of their own.
If you want to use plastic eggs, make sure they are too big to be swallowed and your pet doesn’t try biting into one.
Pet-Safe Easter Baskets
Create a pet-safe Easter basket with dog or cat treats or a few new toys. You might even want to spoil your pet with a cozy new bed. Just remember to refrain from using Easter grass in these baskets.
Pet-Safe Photo Shoot
Easter photo shoots provide an excellent opportunity to memorialize your celebration with your pets. If you will use any accessories like bunny ears, be sure your pet feels comfortable with them. Make sure the ears (or any other accessories) fit well without restricting movement and that they do not interfere with your pet’s breathing. Remember, it’s all about celebrating Easter safely with your pets–not just great pics for Instagram.
At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, we love to see how you’re celebrating the holidays with your pets. Share some of your greatest memories to our social media pages, and let us know your favorite memories together. Don’t forget to give us a call at (248) 363-1508 when it’s time for your pet’s next wellness exam!