Beware of Easter dangers!
As Easter festivities approach, pet owners are urged to be vigilant to protect their beloved dogs and cats from potential dangers lurking amidst the celebrations. According to Agria's chief veterinarian, Lotta Möller, Easter decorations such as eggs, feathers, and flowers can pose serious risks to pets, often resulting in emergency visits to the veterinarian.
“A common type of injury is when the dog or cat chews on something inappropriate that gets stuck in the stomach and intestines or poisons the animal. This could involve Easter decorations, remnants of Easter eggs, or ornamental plants”, says Lotta Möller, chief veterinarian at Agria. The tip is to put away Easter eggs and place decorations out of reach for curious noses. Also, avoid giving the animal food scraps that may contain a lot of salt, onions, or garlic.
Beware of raisins and grapes
Most people are now aware that chocolate is not good for dogs and cats, but the same goes for grapes and raisins which can cause acute kidney failure. Cats, however, are less likely to eat these treats, says Lotta Möller. A common treat in the Easter egg is chocolate, which contains theobromine that dogs cannot break down. The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa and theobromine it contains. Even fairly small amounts of dark chocolate can be enough to poison a dog. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include excessive drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, thirst, and increased need to urinate. If an object has become stuck in the intestines or stomach and cannot come out the normal way, the dog or cat must receive emergency veterinary care and assistance in removing the object through abdominal surgery. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
If you want to treat your pet to something extra special for Easter, it's safer to give them a fun toy or engage in another way. Have a play session with fun and cuddles or take the dog for an extra walk where they can stimulate their senses before the Easter celebration begins," says Lotta Möller.
Be mindful of your cat around Easter decorations and toxic plants. Cats are drawn to tangled threads, fluffy chicks, and other decorations commonly found during Easter celebrations. Each year, cats undergo surgery to remove foreign objects from their stomachs, or they suffer from digestive issues due to exposure to toxic ornamental plants.
Feel free to play with your cat during Easter but keep them under supervision and remove decorations that could get stuck in their stomach. Easter decorations are best kept out of reach for cats, which can be a challenge," says Lotta Möller.
The most dangerous plants for cats are lilies, with the most toxic ones being those of the Lilium and Hemerocallis genus. If there is suspicion that a cat has ingested any part of a lily – flower or leaf since the whole plant is toxic – it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately. Note that the cat should also not drink the water in which the cut flowers have been placed or lick up any pollen that may come from the flower.
Let's celebrate Easter responsibly, keeping our pets' well-being at the forefront of our minds.
