How to have a safe Easter

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!
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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!