“Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin’ down the bunny trail, hippity hoppin’, Easter’s on its way.”
Raise your hand if you have a dog that would love to go bounding after ol’ Peter Cottontail and revel in all the fun festivities that occur at Easter time. I know my dogs would get a kick out of that!
But before the Bunny delivers any gifts to your house, there are a few dangers and safety tips you need to know to keep your dog safe. Read on to learn my 5 Easter safety tips for dogs.
5 Easter Safety Tips for Dogs
1. Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate bunny, especially at Easter? As delicious as these treats are, your dog absolutely should not be enjoying one.
Almost everyone knows chocolate is not safe for dogs. But did you know that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it becomes for our four-legged friends?
Dark chocolate contains methylxanthine, which is a substance that is similar to caffeine. If a dog ingests this, the result could include vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, seizures, and sometimes even death. Obviously, a trip to the emergency vet isn’t a good way to kick off the Easter celebration, so make sure any chocolate goodies are out of reach of your pup.
2. Easter Filler
We use Easter filler, that green plastic grass-like stuff, in our decorations and Easter baskets every year. It helps make our baskets look a little more festive; however, the bad thing about this stuff is if dogs get into it and ingest it, it can cause some serious internal problems. It can become a choking hazard or can cause intestinal blockage, which could result in a serious medical emergency.
Play it safe and make sure whatever you are decorating with Easter filler, you keep it fully out of reach of your pup.
3. Fatty Foods
A big staple at Easter dinners around the world is ham, and while it’s delicious to us humans, it’s not so good for dogs.
When dogs eat food high in fat, like ham, it can result in a painful ailment known as pancreatitis. Ham is also an extremely salty meat. Large quantities of salt can be poisonous for dogs, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature, seizures. For some dog breeds that have delicate digestive systems, excessive salt could also lead to death.
As much as they give you those sweet, puppy dog eyes at the side of the dinner table, refrain from sharing your Easter dinner with your beloved pooch.
4. Xylitol
While we’re on the topic of food, let’s talk about xylitol, a chemical found in a lot of our human foods. Although it’s a natural sweetener, it can be extremely deadly for dogs.
Xylitol can be found in candy, peanut butter (make sure you’re checking your labels), and alcohol, among other things. Symptoms of consumption consist of seizures, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, coordination loss, and even death.
It is crucial you make sure, not just during the Easter season but on any given day, that your dog does not have access to these types of foods and beverages in order to avoid serious health related conditions.
If you think your dog may have consumed something with xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. Don’t wait!
5. Lilies
Although a very lovely plant and very much a symbol of Easter, lilies are lethal to cats.
Although the plant itself is not toxic to dogs, it should be mentioned that lilies are prone to a fungus that, if ingested, can make dogs very sick.
Lilies can also carry aphids and, therefore, are sometimes treated with insecticides, which can also make dogs extremely sick if eaten.
In fact, around the time of the Easter season, typically comes a lot more yard work. Be sure if you are using any insecticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, that they are pet safe and that your pet does not have access to these products.
Fun Ways to Celebrate with Your Dog
If you want your pup to partake in your Easter celebrations, there are plenty of safe ways to do this. You can always create an Easter basket specifically for your pooch (just remember no Easter filler)! Include chew toys, balls, dog friendly treats, and anything else you know your dog enjoys! There are plenty of pet retailers that sell Easter related pet products for the holiday. Check out your local pet store or favorite online pet store for more ideas.
Another idea for your dog to participate in Easter activities is having a dog-friendly Easter egg hunt. Fill plastic Easter eggs with little dog treats or food and hide them around your house or yard. Make sure you remember how many you are hiding! Your dog can do this activity solo, or you might want invite your friends who have dogs for even more fun and socialization. Just keep an eye on your dog to make sure she doesn’t try to eat the plastic egg.
A lot of this information is common knowledge, especially if you have owned a dog for a while. But remember that accidents can happen to even the most seasoned dog parent, especially when your home is full of guests or little children are running around.
Regardless of how you and your dog decide to celebrate this year, make sure you take caution and keep your pooch away from any dangers by following these Easter safety tips for dogs. If you think your dog may have accidentally eaten something that she shouldn’t have, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What are Your Easter Traditions?
I hope all of you have an egg-cellent and dog safe Easter (see what I did there?!)! I would love to hear how you celebrate with your four-legged friends! Leave a comment below or stop by my private Facebook group for dog moms and join in the conversation there!
Also, if you have any Easter safety tips for dogs, please be sure to share them!
P.S. Be sure to check out these other tips for keeping your dog safe this Spring!
The post 5 Easter Safety Tips for Dogs appeared first on The Everyday Dog Mom.
Poop4U Blog
via www.Poop4U.com
Christina, Khareem Sudlow
No comments: