Chocolate and other Easter Hazards

April Showers bring May Flowers. And the Easter Bunny brings lots of Chocolate! But with the holidays always comes additional hazards to your pets.

Here are the top four toxins the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports around Easter-time.

Chocolate

The APCC averages 37 calls A DAY regarding pet’s eating chocolate. So make sure the Cadburry eggs and other delicious desserts are where your animals can’t reach them.

If your pet does happen to ingest chocolate, make sure to note how much, whether it’s dark vs. milk chocolate and whether the chocolate contains raisins, macadamia nuts, alcohol and/or xylitol.

While the occasional chocolate chip in one cookie may not be an issue, certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem: resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and possibly death. If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate, call an emergency clinic or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Easter Grass

Plastic Easter grass is a common call for APCC. Although the decorative grass that lines baskets is generally not a concern for toxicity, it can cause a linear foreign body obstruction. Cats may think it’s a play toy – but it doesn’t make for a good treat.

Plants

Easter is the spring kick-off for APCC, and calls start rolling in about outdoor toxins. Cat owners should be aware of the danger lilies pose. 

Fertilizers & Herbicides

Warmer weather brings out the gardeners, as well as the fertilizers and pesticides. While most of these products are not a huge concern, they can cause GI upset.

 

Pets are always interested in anything new that you bring into the house.
Just make sure to keep it a safe distance away from your pet’s reach.
Have a great spring and enjoy the holiday!