Easter is coming up fast! The spring holiday will take place on April 22nd this year. Just like any other holiday, Easter does pose a few hazards to pets that you should be aware of. Here, an Ellicott City, MD vet discusses Easter pet care.

Choose Pet-Safe Bouquets

Bouquets are one concern. Many of those bright, vibrant flowers you find in seasonal flower arrangements, such as tulips, lilies, gladiolas, and irises, are very toxic to pets. Even eating part of a lily can cause organ failure in cats! Look for pet-safe plants. Check the ASPCA site here for good options.

Keep Decorations Out Of Paws’ Reach

Plastic eggs and cardboard decorations can choke playful pets, and can cause serious internal issues if swallowed. The plastic grass found in Easter baskets is also unsafe.

Pick Up Eggs

If you have an Easter egg hunt, take time afterwards to make sure that all the eggs have been collected. Otherwise, they’ll spoil and/or break. Fluffy may turn her cute little nose up at a rotten egg, but Fido may very well try to eat it anyway.

Parasites

It’s always great to enjoy some warm weather after a long winter, but spring does pose a few hazards. As the weather warms up, bugs and parasites will return, and wild animals will be out and about. Keep up with your furry pal’s vaccinations and parasite control products.

Keep Dangerous Foods Away

Chocolate is one big concern around Easter. Those chocolate eggs and bunnies are toxic to Fido and Fluffy! Many people foods are also unsafe. Never give your dog or cat anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; xylitol; caffeine; alcohol; mushrooms; or nuts. Pitted fruits are also dangerous, as are grapes, currants, and raisins; meat on the bone; and raw meat, dough, or yeast.

A Word On Bunnies

Sadly, many people adopt Easter bunnies at this time of year, often without really thinking things through. Floppy is certainly adorable, but she has some very specific needs—such as the need to chew—and requires quite a bit of care to thrive. Don’t bring a bunny home unless you plan for her to be part of your household for the rest of her life. Adopting a pet is a long term commitment!

Happy Easter! Please contact us, your Ellicott City, MD vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs.