Easter is coming up quick! It’s always nice to welcome the warmer weather back. Like any other holiday, Easter has its own trappings and traditions. Unfortunately, some of these can be dangerous to your canine pal. A Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some advice on celebrating Easter with Fido below.
C hocolate
Chocolate is a big concern here. It’s highly toxic to dogs, and could make your canine companion very sick! Keep that big chocolate Easter bunny out of paws’ reach. Smaller candies are even more dangerous. These are not only toxic to Fido, they are also choking hazards, as are the wrappers. Plus, many sweets contain other things that aren’t safe for dogs, such as xylitol.
Other Foods
Are you planning on having a big Easter dinner? Don’t share any of that ham with your pooch. It’s one of the few meats that really isn’t good for Fido. Also on the no-no list? Garlic, onions, and chives; nuts; mushrooms; grapes and raisins; pitted fruits; alcohol; avocados; dairy products; meat on the bone; and anything containing xylitol.
Eggs
Easter egg hunts are still quite popular. Man’s Best Friend often likes to join in on the fun of these hunts. While eggs aren’t the worst thing Fido could eat, boiled ones spoil rather quickly. That won’t stop your four-legged friend from eating them, but it could make him sick. The food coloring used to color eggs isn’t exactly great for dogs, either.
Bunnies
Unfortunately, it’s still too common for people to adopt Easter bunnies, only to rehome them a few weeks later. This is really sad, as it’s just so hard on the poor bunnies. Rabbits and dogs can also be a tricky mix, especially with pups that have a strong prey drive. However, you can get your furry pal a stuffed rabbit to play with. Just make sure to remove small parts like button eyes.
Guests
Are you having company over? Many of our canine buddies love having visitors. After all, that means more hands for doling out ear scritches, and more opportunities to beg. Let your guests know not to feed your furry buddy anything without checking with you. This is particularly important with children, as they may not know what is and isn’t safe.
Hoppy Easter! Please contact us, your Cherry Hill, NJ pet hospital, with any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care.
