Nassau SPCA Offers Spring Holiday Pet Tips
Bethpage, NY - April 1, 2015 - Passover is starting April 3rd and Easter Sunday is April 5th, if you celebrate either holiday and have a furry friend in your house, there are things you may want to do to make sure they are safe and happy during the holidays. Passover and Easter for our pets can mean a few temptations to chew, ingest, and lick things that aren't good for them. With Easter and Passover right around the corner, remember to take a few extra steps to keep your pets safe.
Here's some safety tips:
1: Easter grass can make a basket really pretty but it's irresistible for dogs and cats. They love to chew on it and if ingested it can be dangerous. Use tissue paper instead or if you do use Easter grass, keep those baskets out of reach of your pets.
2: Chocolate contains theobromine and can cause hyperactivity, seizures, and an elevated heart rate in dogs. Keep the candy stash hidden and away from your dog.
3: Candy that has the sugar substitute xylitol, a sweetener, is toxic to dogs and cats. It's often found in candy, gum, and some baked goods. If your pet ingests it, a drop in blood sugar can occur and cause problems such as seizures and liver failure. You may have to put your dog in another room while the kids dive into the candy and chocolate.
4: Lilies are very pretty but cats have a tendency to chew on them. Some decorative seasonal flowers are highly toxic to dogs and cats, and the temptation to chew on them seems unbearable. Hopefully your cat doesn't jump on every surface in the house and you'll be able to find a nice spot for the flowers. But if not, it may be best to avoid having lilies in the house to keep your cat safe.
5: Table scraps from dinner can be bad for your pet. The ingredients, spices, and fat content can make your pet ill, upset their stomach, or cause other problems such as obesity and behavior problems. Remind your family and guests to not give any food to the dog. If your dog does beg, you may need to crate your dog during dinner or have him hang out in another room with a toy or kong with some treats to distract him.
6: Make sure your pets don't find those Easter eggs or the afikoman before the kids do. If you engage your family in the games of finding gifts, keep the family pet away from the room or yard where you've placed the items. Real or fake eggs might be mistaken as a treat or toy by your dog. If your dog eats or chews on a fake plastic egg, it can cause intestinal problems. Real eggs that have been forgotten during an egg hunt can spoil and if your dog finds them a few days later and eats them, expect an upset stomach. Keep track of the number of eggs you hide in your yard and where they are to gather up any undiscovered ones after the hunt is over. Any foreign foods or objects that your pet may try to eat could make them very ill.
7: Toys for the kids can be mistaken as toys for the dog, especially by the dog. Stuffed bunnies, chickens, and other plastic toys can be chewed, swallowed, and slobbered on by your furry buddy. Your dog might swallow plastic, stuffing, or other parts that can cause intestinal blockages or an upset stomach. Keep the baskets out of reach of your pet.
8: Crowded houses with friends, family, and guests can be overwhelming to your dog and cat. If your pets do not handle crowds well, crating your dog in a room away from the guests or putting your cat in the bedroom is the best solution with some food, water, and their bed. It cuts down on them getting into trouble, eating something they shouldn't, and being easily frightened by all the people and noise.