Easter is a fun-filled time for you and your family. However, when you have a dog, there may be hidden dangers lurking in those Easter baskets!
Vets and poison hotlines receive hundreds of calls during the Easter holiday for illness and possible poisoning. Why are calls so high on Easter, even more so than Christmas or Halloween? You guessed it – The Easter Egg Hunt! That’s right, while the tradition of hiding and hunting eggs and treats is fun for human kids, it can be dangerous for the canine kids.
Below are some of the Easter things to keep up and away from your furry friend.
Chocolate – The toxic component of chocolate is theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system.
(cite: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-5-easter-toxins)
Xylitol – This is used as a sugar substitute found in much of commercial candy and sweets. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs.
(cite: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm499988.htm)
Easter Basket Fillers – Plastic grass, plastic eggs, foil wrappings, and Easter toys are popular fillers for Easter baskets, but they may also attract pets who can chew and swallow them, which can end up obstructing their digestive system.
Easter Dinner – Easter family gatherings include a family feast. Many of the popular foods served at the Easter table can pose a threat to your dog. Fatty foods like ham and lamb (or bones) can lead to an upset stomach, or even a life-threatening case of pancreatitis. Vegetables and seasonings like onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are also toxic to pets and can cause gastroenteritis and hemolytic anemia.
(cite: https://www.totalveterinarycare.com/blog/pet-safety-hazards-during-easter/)
Keeping these things in mind as you prepare to celebrate the holiday will remind you to keep potentially dangerous items out of reach of your best friend, so everyone can be safe and enjoy the holiday.
If you think your dog has ingested any of these items call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline the https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ immediately.