Is the Easter Bunny making a stop at your house this year? It might look like he’s bringing baskets of goodies but if you look closer, you may spot some potentially harmful pet hazards hidden inside.
Easter Grass
Yellow, green, and pink strands of basket filler can be an irresistible invitation to a cat. If they eat the grass, their digestive system cannot break it down, resulting in painful trauma to their intestines. Make sure to dispose promptly of any kind of artificial basket filler, as those tiny strands can also be a serious choking hazard.
Chocolates
Wrapped in shiny foil, those Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs we all love are just as enticing to our pets. Most adults know that ingesting chocolate can be dangerous to our pets. Children, however, may not be aware of those risks and can unwittingly cause harm by passing a tasty treat to their furry friend. Take a moment to remind children about keeping all sweets away from pets, as even sugar and artificial sweeteners can cause fatal reactions. Be extra vigilant about picking up candy wrappers as well!
Floral Arrangements
From the classic Easter lily to the beautiful Amaryllis, many of the traditional flowers used to commemorate Easter pose a deadly threat—especially for felines. Lilies are especially poisonous and have side effects ranging from vomiting and loss of appetite to kidney failure and death. If you are a cat owner, don’t take a chance with these flowers—keep both cut flowers and live plants completely out of the reach of your curious kitty or go the artificial route.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned or has eaten something harmful, contact your veterinarian right away. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your pet’s chances are for a healthy outcome.