On Sunday, amid the spiritual celebration of the Resurrection, millions of families will also dive into Easter baskets filled with candy and toys. But while the chocolate rabbits and other treats are fun for the kids, they can pose a danger to your dog.
Easter grass – The plastic strands used to fill the Easter basket can be very dangerous to your dog if he eats it. The plastic can wad up in his intestines and cause a blockage or even wrap itself around his digestive tract.
Plastic eggs – Little plastic Easter eggs filled with candy and toys are fun, but remember that the eggs can be dangerous for Fido. If he chews on the eggs they’ll likely crack, and if he swallows those sharp pieces of plastic they can puncture his intestinal tract.
Chocolate – Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which can make a dog very sick. But the effect of theobromine depends on how much your dog weighs, how much chocolate he ate, and what kind of chocolate he ate. Darker chocolate has more theobromine, for example, while white and milk chocolate less. A large dog that eats a chocolate rabbit may experience mild diarrhea while a small dog ingesting the same amount may become severely ill, even to the point of death.
If you think your dog has ingested chocolate (or caffeine, which contains the same substance), or is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, contact your veterinarian.
And if your veterinarian’s office is closed, you can contact:
Animal Emergency Services
825 White Spruce Blvd
Rochester, NY 14623
585-424-1277
The ASPCA does offer animal poison-related emergency advice, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, however you may be charged a $65 consultation fee. Their number is (888) 426-4435.
Got a question about your dog's health or need permission to reprint an article? Send me an email. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter and visit my blog, Notes From The Funny Farm.
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