Easter is an exciting time for everyone. It is a holiday that comes with different signature delicacies. While these meals are enjoyable for humans, they could be dangerous and even fatal to our pets.
Most of these foods contain substances that are toxic to our furry friends. As a pet owner, it is essential to know the list of Easter foods that can jeopardize your pet’s health. Here are ten delicacies that you should keep away from your pet.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is a well-known human delicacy that could be fatal to dogs and cats. It contains theobromine, a compound that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
The darker and bitter the chocolate, the higher the level of theobromine it contains. So if your pet gets its paws on a box of dark chocolate, take it to the vet immediately.
2. Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are sweet rolls that contain raisins, currants, and other dried fruits. These fruits can cause kidney failure in your pet if ingested in large quantities.
Signs that your pet has consumed raisins or currants include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
3. Easter Eggs
Easter eggs are a staple of Easter celebrations. Most of them contain chocolate, which is harmful to pets. Even the non-chocolate eggs contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in pets.
This could lead to seizures, lethargy, or liver failure in some cases.
4. Candy
Candies are another common Easter delicacy that could be detrimental to pets. Like chocolate, most candies consist of different forms of artificial sweeteners that could lead to toxicity.
These sweeteners contain xylitol, which could cause an insulin spike in pets, and this could result in liver failure and even death.
5. Marshmallow Peeps
Marshmallows are an Easter favorite, and so are the colorful marshmallow peeps. These colorful treats could be detrimental to pets.
The sugar content in marshmallows is high, and this could trigger pancreatitis, a serious condition that could lead to death in some cases.
6. Lamb or Ham Bones
Lamb or ham bones are not safe for pets, even though it may seem like an ideal way to use up leftovers. Bones, especially cooked ones, tend to splinter, and this could lead to choking or even blockage in the intestines.
Therefore, it is essential to dispose of these bones safely.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is not suitable for pets. Even small quantities of alcohol could cause severe damage to the liver and brain. Ingestion of alcohol could result in tremors, seizures, and even death.
8. Nuts
Nuts like macadamia, pecans, and walnuts are toxic to pets. These nuts can cause muscle tremors, vomiting, weakness, and even hyperthermia. Additionally, nuts are high in fat and could trigger pancreatitis.
9. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain compounds that are harmful to pets. These compounds can cause damage to the red blood cells, and this could result in anemia. The signs of onion or garlic poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and weakness.
10. Easter Lilies
Easter lilies are beautiful flowers, but they are toxic to pets. If ingested, they could cause vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it could lead to kidney failure, and this could be fatal to your pet.