Be aware of dangers to pets at Easter
Easter is just around the corner and many families will be celebrating.
If you are a pet owner, there are a few things you need to consider to keep your pets safe over the Easter weekend.
Food is a big part of the Easter celebration and it usually involves chocolate. Chocolate is highly toxic for both cats and dogs. If you are hiding Easter eggs for children, please hide them out of reach from your pets. If your pet has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. They may urge you to bring your pet to the clinic or an emergency animal hospital. Here are a few significant signs that your pet may have consumed chocolate (from Pet Health Network):
• Diarrhea/vomiting from the high-fat content in the chocolate
• Restlessness
• Hyperactivity
• Muscle twitching, tremors
• Increased drinking and urination
• Excessive panting
• Irritability
• Increased heart rate and abnormal heart rhythm
• In drastic situations, your pet may have seizures or collapse.
Chocolate is dangerous for pets, but the wrapping around the candy is also hazardous. It can cause dangerous blockages in their intestine or cause them to choke. To have a safe and happy Easter weekend
ELIZABETH ANDREWS
with your pets, please take extra measures to keep them safe from eating any candy.
Lily plants are also popular at Easter but are dangerous and highly toxic to cats. Ensure your cat does not have access to any part of the plant, including leaves, flowers, pollen or the water in the vase. If your cat comes in contact with lilies, contact your veterinarian immediately as they may suffer sudden kidney failure.
If you’re bringing home a rabbit as a pet for Easter, there are some preparations you will want to consider beforehand. Rabbits can make a relatively docile, friendly pet as they are quiet and like to keep themselves very clean. They also live much longer than other smaller pets like hamsters or gerbils.
A specific space in your home should be dedicated solely to the rabbit. The area should also include a large crate or cage. Some rabbit owners allow their pets to roam free in their homes, but they put them in separate spaces to sleep at night.
Your rabbit’s living space should have plenty of room for hay, water and fresh food. Please understand fresh food is a necessity for their health. Like your cat or dog, your rabbit should be spayed or neutered and their nails require regular trimming. Rabbits also need the same attention as any pet let you bring into your home. Lastly, if you are committed to bringing a rabbit into your home, please adopt one. Many adorable, sweet rabbits live at rescues and shelters, waiting for loving forever homes.
Please be kind to animals.
Tracy Jessiman is a pet portrait artist who lives in Halifax with her husband and their three pets. She has been rescuing animals most of her life, but more intimately, animals rescued her.