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How to have a safe Easter

3/22/2018

Spring is here! Well, at least according to the calendar - someone better tell the weather! But here are a couple reminders to keep your dogs and cats safe during Easter festivities.

Easter Lilies - true lilies are incredibly toxic to cats who chew on them. All parts of the plant are toxic, and even drinking water from the vase can be dangerous. These cause kidney failure and can be fatal. If there is any chance your cat was exposed to a lily, don't wait. The sooner your veterinarian starts decontamination and fluid therapy the better your cat's chances of surviving the poison.
The most dangerous lilies are:

Tiger lilies
Day lilies
Asiatic hybrid lilies
Japanese show lilies
Easter lilies
Rubrum lilies
Stargazer lilies
Red lilies
Western lilies
Wood lilies

Peace lilies and calla lilies can cause local mouth irritation but won't cause the fatal kidney damage. If your cat is drooling after chewing on one of these, offer some milk or chicken broth to help your cat flush out her mouth.

Easter grass - curious cats and puppies can chew and swallow the plastic grass, potentially resulting in GI obstruction and requiring surgery to remove. They are especially tempted by baskets with goodies hidden in the grass and can accidentally swallow the plastic strands in their search for other treats.

Chocolate - dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but any chocolate can be harmful if the cat or dog is small enough. So count those plastic eggs before and after the hunt!

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, fast heart rate, and seizures.

Did your pet eat some chocolate? Go to the chocolate toxicity meter at www.petmd.com for an easy to use calculator to see if your pet needs medical treatment.

Easter lunch - pets who get special treats (especially ham or bacon) or get into the holiday trash are at risk for pancreatitis, a painful illness that causes vomiting and can require intensive care.
Never give your dog the bone after the meal - it can break teeth or fracture into shards that can cut the stomach.
Desserts sweetened with xylitol will cause dangerous blood sugar drops in pets. (And while we're on xylitol, check your peanut butter. Some brands now use it as the sweetener, so you'd never want to hide a pill in it for your pet.)

Lastly, remember that baby chicks and bunnies do not make good gifts. They require years of proper care, so make sure you are truly committed and have done your research before making that impulse buy.
So now that you're forewarned, break out the eggs and have a safe Easter for the whole family!

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Kids and Dogs - a great mix, with these precautions

3/7/2018

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Unfortunately, there are over 4.5 million dog bites that require medical treatment in the United States each year, and most of the victims are children. Here are a few simple strategies that can help prevent your child or your dog from adding to the statistics.

Young children should never be left unattended with a dog, even a loved family pet. When my daughter was 9 months old she hit our dog on the nose 3 times before I could stop her. 3 times! After the third time Maggie snarled and snapped the air in my daughter's direction and my daughter immediately started crying. If I had not been present to see what happened I would have blamed my dog for what was actually a very restrained response on her part.

Photo credit: Salvadonica Borgo del Chianti, www.flickr.com

Parents, teach your children to:
1. Stay calm around dogs - don't yell or run

Be a tree: stand still when a dog approaches you
Be a log: if you're on the ground, lay still with your arms over your face

2. Ask the adult before you pet a dog

Let the dog sniff you, and pet the dog under the chin - not on top of the head
Use an open hand to pet the dog
Don't pull the dog's ears or tail

3. Leave stray dogs and cats alone, and don't approach dogs behind fences or in cars
4. Never tease, chase, hit, or kick a dog
5. Be a good friend to your dog

Exercise and play safe games with your dog
Let him or her eat and sleep in peace

6. Find an adult if dogs are fighting or a dog looks hurt

You can watch these videos from the AVMA for some fun kid-friendly examples (check out the one below).

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How to have a safe Easter

Kids and Dogs - a great mix, with these precautions

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