Easter is one of those holidays that sneak up on us and our pets. We’ll get to Easter Pet Reminders in a minute, but first… This sneaking upon us is mainly due to the fact that sometimes Easter is in April or late March and then April again and then back to March and so on… Have you ever wondered why? It’s a rather easy explanation. Easter is to be held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. Store that neat little tidbit in your back pocket. Want more insight? Click Here for a more in depth explanation.
Now, whether or not you celebrate this holiday, the exposure of its influence is hard to ignore.
This Army of Marshmallow Treats invades your local drugstore.
While we enjoy all the food and decorations Easter offers us we must remember that these simple joyous pleasures are harmful to our pets.
EASTER PET REMINDERS #1
CHOCOLATE
Courtesy of candogseatthis.com
Chocolate is a huge-big-never eat-don’t let it happen-harmful-bad-damaging-painful-unsafe-toxic-food that dogs should not ingest. Unfortunately, it happens too much, and our dogs don’t know any better. They sniff out what smells wonderful and go for it. Chocolate bunnies and eggs and many other shapes of candy are all around us this Sunday. Please do everything you can to prevent your pets from ingesting it while truly enjoying it yourself. Want more information on dogs and chocolate? Click Here.
EASTER PET REMINDERS #2
XYLITOL
Courtesy of aspca.org
What is xylitol? It’s a sugar substitute. I’ll let aspca.org explain… “Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.”
Bottom line? Don’t let your pets get into the Easter candy.
EASTER PET REMINDERS #3
EGGS
Petmd.com has a fantastic and in depth article about how eggs can be hazardous but also how your dogs can enjoy them this holiday weekend. Since it is Easter, it’s not just dyed eggs we need to worry about… Chocolate, (which we’ve already discussed) and plastic eggs are also easy objects for our pets to find and be curious about. Give the Petmd a solid read. It is incredibly valuable information.
EASTER PET REMINDERS #4
ADOPTING RABBITS
If adopting rabbits is in your future considerations, that is fantastic. But we ask that you do your due diligence in researching how to adopt these wonderful little creatures. Just because it’s Easter and bunnies are a symbol of the holiday is not a valid reason. They are fragile animals and need a specific environment to thrive. Read this article for great insight on how and when to add to your family. It’s a very important read.
EASTER PET REMINDERS #5
ENJOY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY
Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, we can all agree that time with our families is important and vital. If you celebrate, Have a lovely Easter holiday. If you don’t, have a fantastic weekend!