For most people Easter brings fond memories of egg hunts, baskets and bunnies. But be careful! These Easter staples can be dangerous to your pets’ health.

But don't worry, you don't have to give up your favorite traditions to have a safe holiday.  Watch out for these hazards, supervise your pets closely and try our substitution tips and everyone can have a Hoppy Easter!

The following seven holiday products are the most common Easter dangers:

Eggs – Dyed and Plastic

Shiny plastic eggs may look like toys to your pets.  If they chew and swallow the plastic, it can cause intestinal problems that may require surgery.  Fresh, hardboiled eggs are not dangerous, but eggs spoil quickly. If days later your pet finds and eats an egg that was undiscovered during the Easter hunt, it can make them very sick.  Tip: Keep track of the number of eggs hidden and make sure all are accounted for at the end of the hunt.

Easter Grass

Cats are especially attracted to these shiny shreds, and just like tinsel, ingesting this “grass” may be lethal.  Pets can not digest it, leading to the threads getting stuck in and damaging their intestines.  Tip: A better choice?  Try using paper, or even real grass!

Chocolate

Most adults already know how dangerous chocolate is for pets, but it is important children know as well.  Make sure to tell your kids that sharing with the family pet could make them very sick.  Still, supervision is key.  Tip: With chocolate bunnies in every basket, and chocolate eggs hidden around the house, it may be best if your pets are in kept in an “Easter free zone” during the festivities.

See the next four Easter Dangers >>

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