Pet Easter Toxins To Be Aware Of: Shoreline Animal Hospital

Dr. Julie Berman, Dr. Michelle West, Dr. Lynda Perry of the Shoreline Animal Hospital in Clinton, want to remind all pet owners of the 5 Most Common Pet Easter Toxins to ennsure a safe holiday for all.

1. Chocolate

Problem: Easter is typically the top day for chocolate intoxication calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, topping Christmas, Valentine’s Day and even Halloween. Why? Pets often find candy hidden around the house and yard or Easter baskets left unattended.

Solution: Make sure all candy is out of reach of pets at all times.

2. Lilies

Problem: True lilies and daylilies are a concern for acute kidney failure that can lead to death in cats.

Solution: DO NOT LET lilies enter the house with cats. Cats should not have access to any part of the plant, including pollen, petals that fall or even the water the flowers

3. Easter Grass

Problem: The plastic grass that is found in Easter baskets is appealing to pets and can cause a life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction which can require surgery to resolve.

Solution: Substitute paper Easter grass for plastic grass. If you choose to use plastic Easter grass. pick up any laying on the outside lawn or floor in your home.

4. Table Food

Problem: Onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins are common toxic foods pets ingest, and many foods that aren’t toxic may cause stomach upset or lead to pancreatitis.

Solution: Don’t leave scraps on the table or counter unattended, and dispose of uneaten food in pet-proof containers.

5. Herbicides

Problem: Easter often brings springtime yard work, leading to animals ingesting herbicides. Pets love the salty taste and may ingest mist in the air while the products are being sprayed.

Solution: Keep all herbicides where pets can’t chew or puncture bottles and make sure lawns are dry before letting pets outside. While many herbicides are not highly toxic, any exposure warrants a call to the vet.