How to keep your pet safe this Easter

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Easter is a time for festivities, fun, Easter egg hunts, and brunch, but things can go horribly wrong for pets.

Westbrook Animal Hospital says Easter can pose a high risk to pets because it involves candy, flowers, food and other festivities.

Here are some safety tips you can follow to keep your pet safe this Easter.

chocolate

Any type of chocolate can be life-threatening if your pet eats it. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are stimulants similar to caffeine that affect gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac function, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, and abnormally high heart rates. there is. The high fat content in light chocolate can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Chocolate bunnies are a staple of Easter, so if you receive chocolates this Easter, keep them out of reach of your pets.

fatty foods

You may want to share Easter brunch or dinner with your pet, but high-fat foods such as ham can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Eating turkey or turkey skin can cause a life-threatening condition in your pet known as pancreatitis, so it's important to keep a treat on the table.

xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener found in gum, candy, and peanut butter that is highly toxic to pets. Consuming this sweetener can cause hypoglycemia, a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. This can cause your pet to experience depression, loss of coordination, and seizures.

bread dough

The raw, uncooked yeast ferments the carbohydrates in the dough, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. If eaten, this process can continue in the stomach, causing your pet to become disoriented, bloated, and ataxic. Alcohol poisoning can be just as deadly for pets as it is for humans.

hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are another food associated with Easter and contain raisins and currants, both of which are toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly kidney failure.

basket filler

Easter baskets are usually filled with stuffing to support the items inside and add a festive feel, but if your pet eats it, it can pose a choking hazard or even cause an intestinal blockage. there is.

lily

If you're sending a flower arrangement to someone who has cats, make sure to specify that it doesn't contain lilies, and if you receive the arrangement, sift out any dangerous lilies. If your pet is lethargic, vomiting, or has diarrhea, they may have ingested a flower or plant that is not good for them. Lilies also harbor bacteria that can cause severe illness in dogs.