Easter is coming up fast: the spring holiday falls on the 9th this year. There are some seasonal hazards for pet owners to be aware of as you celebrate with friends and family. Senior pets may also need a little extra attention on this special day. A local York, PA veterinarian offers some advice on this below.
Schedule
Our furry friends get pretty set in their ways as they age. Older pets are often very much creatures of habit, and can get uneasy and/or distressed at schedule disruptions or a lot of commotion. Fido and Fluffy also can’t match the playful energy of young children. Provide a quiet, comfy spot, where they can just relax and retreat.
Decorations
Flowers are a big concern at Easter. Many of those pretty bouquets contain things that are toxic to pets! Lilies, for instance, are extremely poisonous to cats. Tulips, azaleas, daffodils, and rhododendrons are also unsafe. You can find more information at the ASPCA website here.
Food
No matter how old Fido and Fluffy get, they will likely never outgrow their love of treats … or their habit of begging for scraps. You can definitely offer something special, but be careful. Easter dinners often feature things like ham, roast pork, or beef as a main course. These foods are quite fattening. They’re also very salty. Older pets often have sensitive stomachs, so anything that’s very rich or even just unusual for them may cause gastric issues. Don’t give your four-legged friend any dangerous foods. Chocolate is at the top of the list here. Those bunnies and eggs are not pet-safe. Other unsafe foods include grapes and raisins, garlic and onions, meat on the bone, avocado, pitted fruit, alcohol, nuts, mushrooms, and anything high in salt, sugar, or fat. Ask your vet for more information.
Pictures
As our animal companions get older, every moment we have to spend with them becomes more precious. Take some pictures of your furry best friend on this special day! If they are willing, you may be able to get an adorable shot of Fido wearing bunny ear headbands, or snap Fluffy playing with a catnip egg or bunny. Just don’t force them to wear anything if they aren’t comfortable.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, your York, PA animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
