Keeping your pets happy and healthy this easter

Overindulging during the Easter period may result in a few extra kilograms for humans; the consequences for our animal companions are much more serious. We’ve put together a few tips on how you can keep your furry companions happy and healthy this Easter.

Chocolate is a big no, no!

The accidental ingestion of chocolate can lead to serious illness or even death for our beloved furry companions. Symptoms your pet may have ingested toxic levels of chocolate may include hyperactivity, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking, tremors or seizures. If you think your pet may have consumed chocolate seek veterinary treatment immediately.

Having an Easter feast?

You might feel mean to sit down to a big Easter feast while your pet has their normal meal, feeding them leftovers can cause all sorts of preventable problems. Food toxic to pets include onions, caffeine products, avocado, grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants, nuts, unripe tomatoes and mushrooms. For everyone’s comfort it is best to always only feed your pets their specific food.

Be sure to clean up after your Easter hunt!

Easter egg hunts are fun but these can pose a threat to pets, due to the foil wrapping that are often discarded. Foil can cause choking and can also be a dangerous intestinal obstruction, which may require surgical intervention is performed. This also applies to shredded paper or cellophane often found at the bottom of Easter baskets.

How can I include my pet?

Including your pet in Easter celebrations is fun, and the good news is, there are still plenty of treats you can provide. Fish, such as tinned sardines, tinned tuna and tinned salmon can be given as a treat occasionally, as can small amount of cooked meat. If you have a dog, they will be just as happy with a walk or game of fetch.

If you are concerned about your pet it is always best to seek veterinary advice. AWLQ’s Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic will be open over Easter (excluding Good Friday) and can be contacted on 5594 0111.

Download a copy of AWLQ’s guide to Keeping your pets happy and healthy this Easter.