Easter Sunday is this week! The weather forecast (which we all know is very reliable in Central Ohio), is calling for a dry day with the temperature in the mid-50s – ideal Easter egg hunt weather! There are a few things related to Easter that could be of concern to your furry family, so we would like to use this Staff Chat to…well…chat about them with you!

First, let’s talk about chocolate. Great for you, not so great for your pets. Eating chocolate can cause them to experience gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, an elevation in heart rate, and a stimulated nervous system – this can cause hyperactivity, tremors, and possibly seizures. The darker the chocolate is, the worse the effects are – so keep all those chocolate bunnies away from your pets!

Other candies can cause issues, also. If they’ve been sweetened with xylitol, even a small amount can be extremely toxic. In fact, if xylitol poisoning is not treated quickly, it can be fatal. Also on the “do not eat” list – raisins and macadamia nuts.

What do all these tasty treats sometimes get carried around in? Easter baskets! The plastic grass you may use to line the bottom of the basket is also something that your dog or cat may attempt to eat, but cannot digest. That grass is going to have, and cause, trouble moving through their intestines. Let’s keep their tummies working and happy!

Will Easter Lillies be part of your decorations? Be sure your pets have absolutely no access to them – all parts of the lily, even the pollen from it, are poisonous. The lily is more poisonous to cats, but they’re no fun for dogs, either.

Last, but not least – no table scraps! Pork roast, ham, and other fatty cuts of meat can wreak havoc on your pup’s tummy. Even the twine that is sometimes used to bind the meat together can cause issues – so if you’re prepping the meal, make sure it’s disposed of appropriately.

We hope the weather is nice on Sunday, and that you have a great day with your friends and family – both two and four-legged!