Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Cats in particular are notorious for being curious little creatures. Even if they don’t jump up on countertops or tables in front of you, you can be pretty sure that they do so when you’re not around. Most likely it’s happening while you are sleepy peacefully in the middle of the night, since cats are nocturnal animals.
During this time of year, you might be gifted a lily or purchase one on your own. Several types of lilies including Easter Lilies are toxic to cats. The entire plant from the stem, leaves, pollen and flower are all toxic. Even if your cat licks the plant or the pollen that has fallen to the ground, they will be in extreme, life-threatening danger. If your cat gets into the plant, it’s critical to get them to an animal ER or their veterinarian quickly. Minutes count in these cases. If you have a lily, it wouldn’t hurt to put it in a place that the cat cannot get into day or night.
Speaking of Easter, at this time of year, most of us have a lot of candy around the house and Easter baskets are filled with chocolate bunnies, peeps and other confections. Candy can be life-threatening to both cats and dogs.
Chocolate causes severe toxicity with just a minimal amount, especially dark chocolate. Some of the side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, rapid heart rate, and in some cases, death. The smaller the breed, the more dangerous chocolate can be, as well as the amount of chocolate the animal has ingested.
Sugar is not necessarily toxic, but it is not suitable for cats or dogs to eat sugar (Hello Easter Candy), because as with humans, sugar can lead to diabetes, obesity, shaking, lethargy, and dental decay. Sugar alternatives like xylitol are incredibly toxic to dogs. Don’t ever let your pet eat candy, mints, toothpaste, or gum made with xylitol or other sugar substitutes.
Easter candy, baskets and egg hunts are fun-filled times for kiddos, but when it comes to our pets, Easter grass in those baskets can be rather alluring. Cats and dogs may find it irresistible to play with it and to even try to eat it. This is a major health hazard to the safety of our beloved pets, as this grass very often tangles around the intestines and can be life-threatening and usually requires extensive surgery to remove.
The same issue holds true for Easter egg hunts, especially for dogs. Dogs like to find things, so if they come upon a hidden Easter egg, they will mistake it for a chew toy and the plastic can choke them, cause lacerations in the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. It’s not worth it. Keep your pets indoors, while your kids go one their hunts.
There are so many things that can cause toxicity in your pets; it is best only to feed them their allocated dog or cat food and treats. If your pet gets into Easter candy or other toxic foods, don’t hesitate! Get to your veterinarian’s office or the Animal ER as soon as possible.
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Naples offers the most up to date and progressive veterinary services for your pets. Ranging from laser surgery, ultrasound, dental X-rays, radiology, full pharmacy, and in house diagnostics, Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital provides your pets with the necessary options for treatment.
ANIMAL OASIS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
239-431-9667
www.aovethospital.com
