Pets and the Easter Holidays:

Chocolate Hazards and Poisonous Lilies

The Easter Holiday Season is full of wonderful family celebrations but it can also be one of the most hazardous times of the year for pets.

The BC Veterinary Medical Association offers these helpful tips to ensure pet safety during the holidays.

Treats and food

Holiday treats are meant for people, not pets. Fatty foods and sugary confections can rapidly become toxic to an animal unaccustomed to them. Of course, they also carry empty calories that can cause unhealthy weight gain.

Chocolate is probably the human food that is the most dangerous for animals – even one chocolate truffle could have serious consequences for a small pet. The theobromine in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat, seizures and, in some cases, death. Never leave gifts of chocolate in Easter baskets or on tables easily accessible to pets. 

Plants & Flowers

Lilies can be deadly to cats.  Some common poisonous plants include: Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum, Japanese show lily, some species of day lily, and certain other members of the Liliaceous family, which can cause kidney failure in cats.  

Decorations & Easter Baskets

Decorations, wicker baskets and  paper or synthetic "Easter-grass" can all become serious hazards if eaten or chewed. If hiding Easter baskets, ensure that the baskets will be out of reach of the family pets.