Okay, so the end of the fasting period approaches and brings with it the time of the year to feel good about eating and feasting. It will soon be Easter time - Easter bunnies, eggs, marzipan, chocolates, drinks and a host of other things that make us feel good but are potential hazards for our pets.
Yes, every holiday season brings with it added responsibility for pet parents. Read on to find what we can do to ensure that our pets too enjoy these Easter holidays without getting hurt or falling sick.
Chocolate is the number one potential health hazard on all lists featuring pet hazards. And for good reason too. It contains theobromine and caffeine that can lead to an increase in heart rate and rise in blood pressure. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include hyperactivity, thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. Timely treatment is crucial or fatalities can occur in as less as three to six hours. So, keep those boxes of candy away from Fido and Whiskers.
Plants - Many plants, in fact more than you'd ever know, are harmful to pets. Of course, they are distributed all over the globe and all won't have a presence in your neighborhood. Still, you should know that Easter lily is poisonous for your pets. If your cat nibbles any part of this plant it can lead to kidney failure very swiftly. If treatment is not provided within three hours, the damage to the kidneys cannot be undone.
Decorations & Wrappers - These represent toxic as well as choking hazards. Wrappers covering food items may have some pieces or tit-bits adhering to them and these are dangerous temptations for your pets. Decorations made of plastic, rubber, tinsel can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed and then surgery is the only option. Basket Grass is another indigestible decoration that can cause intestinal problems if ingested.
Food Items - Food and drinks meant for human consumption may or may not agree with pets. Garlic, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and grapes are just some of the food items that will harm your beloved pet if it ingests these. Signs and symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, irregular heartbeat. If left untreated it can lead to severe dehydration or even death.
Common sense due diligence such as keeping the garbage bags sealed, not having toxic garden plants in the yard, keeping the pets on leash or segregated when having a party, not leaving scraps of food behind, etc can help save your pet's life. Make Easter hazard-free for your dear pet and enjoy.
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