Easter is just around the corner! As families prepare for a weekend filled with egg hunts and sweet treats, it’s important to remember that this spring holiday can be potentially hazardous for furry friends. Check out these tips from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) to keep your pets safe this Easter Sunday.

Easter Candy: Chocolate bunnies and eggs are a common treat among Easter festivities. Be sure to keep all chocolate products out of reach of furry friends. They can cause gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and elevated heart rate if consumed by pets. Remember, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your animals! Be on the lookout for other potential harmful sweet treat ingredients such as raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol (a sugar substitute used in many sugar-free candies). Contact your vet immediately if you think your pet has been exposed to any of these.

Easter Décor: Plastic eggs and grass are both a choking hazard and can cause serious internal damage to a dog or cat if ingested. Pets cannot digest plastic once consumed, making it likely to get lodged in their gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in appetite, lethargy, and pain. Be sure to keep track of how many eggs are used in your egg hunt and make sure they are all collected to help prevent an Easter trip to the vet.

Plants: Lilies, especially Easter Lilies, are extremely toxic to cats. Every part of the plant is extremely toxic and can result in kidney failure and even death if consumed. Cat owners, be sure to keep these flowers out of your Easter décor this Sunday!

Fertilizers and Herbicides: For many people, Spring weather signals the start of gardening season. If your yard work includes the use of fertilizers or herbicides, make sure they are stored in a safe location where pets cannot get into them. Always follow the instructions on the label and keep your pet indoors when applying them to your outdoor space.

Live Animals: Bunnies, chicks, and ducks are a huge lifetime commitment that must not be treated as toys. It is important to research and consider the responsibility involved when bringing a live animal home as a pet this Easter. Instead of bringing home a new pet, consider visiting the HSVC to adopt a fur family member! To view our available animals, visit our website.

For more information on Easter pet safety, visit the ASPCA website.