Easter and your pets.
KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE THIS EASTER
As Easter approaches, pet owners everywhere are preparing for the yearly Easter egg hunt with the kids, family gatherings, sending and receiving flowers, chocolates and all the goodies associated with this yummy time of year! However, the treats we surround ourselves with at Easter may have the potential to cause harm to our beloved pets.
Foods that are dangerous to pets
· Hot cross buns contain sultanas and raisins, and these can cause significant damage to kidneys which may be irreversible.
· Food containing artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures and even liver failure.
· Chocolate
Why is chocolate so bad for our pets?
Chocolate contains caffeine and a chemical called theobromine – both are dangerous to cats and dogs. Like caffeine, theobromine is a stimulant, which means, if your pet ingests chocolate, their heart rate may increase or beats irregularly, and they can become hyperactive. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous type as this chocolate contains the highest percentage of cocoa.
Symptoms of Chocolate poisoning
- Vomiting &/or Diarrhoea
- Hyperactivity
- Increased thirst or urination
- Lethargy
- Racing heart rate- often manifested as restlessness or weakness.
- Seizures
- Death
Flowers to keep away from pets.
There are many flowers that can be poisonous to pets; geraniums, tulips and azaleas should be avoided, but overall, the most toxic flower to cats and dogs is the Lily.
Lilies are highly poisonous to cats, ingestion of even a small amount can cause irreversible kidney failure.
Symptoms of lily toxicity
- Vomiting
- No appetite
- Drooling
- Hiding
- Lethargy or malaise
- Halitosis (unpleasant smell to the breath)
- Excessive or decreased thirst and urination
What to do if your pet eats something toxic
If you think your pet has ingested something toxic contact your vet clinic immediately and they can give you appropriate advice. Ensure before the long weekend you have made yourself familiar with your vet clinic’s emergency care provisions.
KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE THIS EASTER
As Easter approaches, pet owners everywhere are preparing for the yearly Easter egg hunt with the kids, family gatherings, sending and receiving flowers, chocolates and all the goodies associated with this yummy time of year! However, the treats we surround ourselves with at Easter may have the potential to cause harm to our beloved pets.