With spring in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about your Easter plans. Whether you want to host a big dinner for the whole extended family or keep it small with just an egg hunt for the kids, make sure to keep your pets in mind. If you overlook any potential hazards, your furry friends might need emergency veterinary care in the middle of the festivities. Fortunately, keeping cats and dogs safe over Easter weekend is fairly easy—as long as you follow a few simple tips. 

How to Ensure Your Pets Have a Safe Easter 

1. Skip the Lilies 

If you have cats, keep lilies out of your home. Every part of this popular Easter flower is toxic to cats. In fact, even the water from a vase of lilies poses the risk of kidney failure. If you think your cat was exposed to lilies—excluding peace lilies and calla lilies, all other varieties can cause life-threatening complications—seek veterinary care right away. 

2. Keep Easter Treats Out of Reach 

If you have dogs or outdoor cats, don’t set up an egg hunt in your yard. Instead, head to a park and do one there. As for Easter baskets, make sure they're well out of reach for any pets. Easter candy can be toxic to animals, especially in large quantities. The plastic grass that is often used to fill baskets also poses a hazard. If a pet swallows too much of it, it could cause a blockage. 

3. Limit Table Scraps

When pets look up at you with their sweet, irresistible expressions, you may be tempted to slip some morsels of ham or bacon their way; however, doing so could be dangerous. Animals cannot process rich foods the same way humans can, and too many treats on Easter Sunday could result in a condition called pancreatitis. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, restlessness, abnormal posture, gagging, and a tense abdomen. Pancreatitis requires emergency care – severe cases can be life threatening.

To ensure your pets thrive all year long, and not just on Easter weekend, turn to Montgomery Animal Hospital for quality veterinary care. Based in Cincinnati, OH, this practice has been looking after pets throughout Hamilton County for the past 65 years. They are proud to lead the pack when it comes to veterinary excellence. To learn more about the comprehensive veterinary care they provide, including their senior and exotic animal services, visit their website. To make a veterinarian appointment for your furry friend, call (513) 791-7912.