106 Easter Toxins

The ASPCA has put out their list of the top 5 Easter Toxins. Let’s be careful out there this Easter Weekend!

Chocolate– we all know chocolate is “bad”, but it does depend on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. Check out the  chocolate calculator link. So if my little 16# terrier ate 2 oz of dark chocolate, it is WAY worse than 2 oz of milk chocolate. Did you know white chocolate isn’t toxic?

Lilies– Keep cats away from Easter lilies, even their leaves and vase water. See the link for the types of “true” lilies.

Easter grass– this plastic stuff isn’t digestible and clogs up intestines. Be super careful if you use it in Easter baskets where it might get food smells on it.

Table food– Many of us will make special holiday foods like ham or brisket. They can be fatty and very rich for our pets, so only tiny amounts if you must share. And I have a picture of peeps on this blog, but peeps aren’t toxic. I just love the photo of rabbit peep getting neutered.

Herbicides– gardeners will often be using herbicides in the spring, so follow the directions, especially if you have pets. Most are safe when dried.

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-5-easter-toxins

Author: Pamela Henricks

I am a small animal veterinarian practicing in Lewisville Texas, a suburb of Dallas. I have been practicing for 36 years on dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits and ferrets. I have owned my own practice for 28 years. I am a long time member of Texas Veterinary Academy, and past president.