Easter is often celebrated with good food, with bouquets of flowers to brighten the celebration and with Easter baskets filled with sweets and other goodies. However, all of these seemingly innocent items pose a threat to your dog or cat.
Toxic and Dangerous Foods for Pets
Easter is often celebrated with a special dinner filled with lots of delicious foods. It may be tempting to share some of that food with your dog or cat. But be aware that some types of food and drink can be toxic to your pet.
This is a partial list of some of the foods and beverages that can be toxic for your pets:
- chocolate
- foods containing xylitol (for dogs)
- yeast
- macadamia nuts
- garlic
- onions
- alcohol
Even foods that are not by definition poisonous can still cause health problems such as pancreatitis or gastrointestinal distress for your pet.
Feeding bones is a controversial subject but bones can cause health such as broken teeth, intestinal blockages and perforations, and constipation if ingested by your pet.
Toxic Plants
The Easter lily is a traditional holiday plant, as evidenced by its name. However, Easter lilies and other types of lilies can be deadly for your dog or cat. All parts of the lily plant are considered to be poisonous and even brushing against a lily can leave pollen on your pet’s hair coat which may be ingested while grooming and cause illness, particularly for cats and small dogs. Lilies are toxic for our pet as a living plant and as part of a plant bouquet.
Lilies are only one of many plants that have the potential to be dangerous for your pet. Many other types of plants are poisonous as well. If in doubt, place the plant (or bouquet) out of your pet’s reach.
Easter Baskets
Easter baskets may contain chocolate candies or sugar-free candies containing xylitol, both of which are dangerous for your pet. In addition, baskets often contain “Easter grass” which can be dangerous for your dog or cat if swallowed. Easter grass is particularly tempting for cats and for puppies who are curious and playful.
Other Easter Considerations for Your Dog or Cat
Some dogs and cats enjoy the hustle and bustle of holidays. However, for some, a house full of strange people with lots of festivities can be stressful and frightening. Make sure your pet has a private area where he can retreat should he feel the need to be by himself. Keep visitors out of your pet’s private area.
By using a bit of common sense and being aware of the many dangers that Easter can present for our dogs and cats, the holiday can be a safe and pleasant occasion for all involved.
Doreen
Monday 18th of March 2019
Good info!! Want to keep our pets safe!
Antoinette M
Thursday 7th of March 2019
Thanks for the reminder. My cat will eat the paper grass & chew on the plants.
Paula Desmarais
Tuesday 5th of March 2019
The plastic grass was always a problem for one cat.