Pet tips: Keeping pets safe on Easter

Remember your pets this weekend when preparing for Easter family activities. Colorful Easter baskets full of plastic eggs, synthetic grass and chocolate bunnies are very attractive to our furry friends. Here are a few tips to keep your pet healthy:

-Skip the Easter grass and get creative! Synthetic grass is cute, but if ingested by your pet, it can cause serious blockage requiring surgery. Use tissue paper, decorative napkins, bandanas or towels to fill basket space and cushion your Easter goodies.

-As many know, chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs. Dogs are more likely to snag chocolate from children or unwatched Easter baskets so keep these tasty treats out of reach. Try putting all the chocolate bunnies and eggs in one place or keep your pets in a separate room while the children are opening baskets.

-Be just as careful about candy! Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in candies and chewing gum and is very toxic to pets.

-Following the egg hunt, do your rounds to ensure all the eggs were found. Leftover plastic eggs can cause a hazard for a precocious pup and undiscovered real eggs will spoil – potentially causing a very upset stomach to your dog or unsuspecting wildlife.

-Easter bouquets often include Lily plants, which are poisonous to cats. Consider artificial flowers or be extra diligent about keeping your cats away from floral arrangements.

-Remind your guests not to feed your pet table scraps. Rich foods contain ingredients and spices that can make your pet sick.

If you suspect your pet has ingested an Easter treat or plant, be aware of signs like vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy and call your veterinarian immediately.