Sun shining, flowers blooming, birds singing—springtime is here! Highsmith Animal Hospital is buzzing with spring fever as we look forward to another season of working with – and on behalf of – the animals we love.

This weekend, as many of us prepare for an Easter or Passover celebration, American Humane is reminding animal lovers everywhere to take steps to keep their pets safe from potential holiday hazards.

Easter Baskets and Candy
Many parents find it hard to avoid sneaking into their child’s Easter basket before the holiday, but pets are tempted by holiday treats, too. Candy and chocolate can affect a pets’ nervous system if ingested, and xylitol, an ingredient found in sugar-free candies and gum, can be toxic to dogs and cats. The colorful plastic grass and eggs found in Easter baskets can also prove dangerous: pets love to nibble on them and, if ingested, these decorations can lead to a blockage of their tiny digestive tracts. To keep pets safe, keep Easter baskets and candy on high shelves, away from the reach of a curious dog or cat.

Dangerous Blooms
With their large flowers and pleasant smell, Easter lilies bring a bit of spring cheer into any home. The beautiful flowers can be extremely dangerous to cats, though—wreaking havoc on their digestive systems and potentially leading to kidney failure or death. Since just one bite of a petal, leaf, stem, or even the pollen of the plant can harm a cat, American Humane recommends cat owners refrain from keeping the flowers in their homes.

Holiday Food Hazards
This weekend, we hope you are celebrating the holidays with a delicious food and friends. As you sit down for your Spring -time festivities, make sure your pet isn’t given table scraps of pork roast, ham, or other fatty cuts of meat. Dogs and cats can develop digestive issues or pancreatitis if they consume excessively fatty foods, and the twine that is often used to hold these cuts of meat together can block their digestive tracts.

Easter Animals as Presents
Many families want to give bunnies or chicks as gifts during the Easter or Passover holiday season, but these animals require special feeding and care. Sadly, most families are unprepared for the responsibility of owning these vulnerable animals, and those that do survive the first few post-holiday weeks are often given to animal control or a local animal shelter once the novelty of their presence wears off. Families should avoid giving these tiny animals as pets, and stick to gifting stuffed animals instead.

By following these simple safety tips, the entire family – including four-legged members – will be able to enjoy the spring holidays in a happy, healthy, and safe manner.

If any of these concerns or emergencies happen please contact our hospital immediately!  Or call the Wilmington Animal Emergency Trauma Hospital 910-790-1070