Easter is near — keep your pets away from the Easter goodies

Have we had the little discussion yet over pets and candy, etc.? I don't recall. But I was just looking at a news release from the American Veterinary Medical Association warning of some of the risks, mostly of the candy nature, for pets that come about at Easter time.

If you're like my family, Easter focuses on two concepts: 1) the "reason for the season," as the expression goes, which is the Resurrection of Christ, and, 2) candy and other food goodies. It's the candy and other food goodies that can pose hazardous to your pets, especially cats and dogs.

According to that news release, chocolate is poisonous to both dogs and cats. I knew it was dangerous for dogs, but I wasn't aware of it being poisonous to cats, too. Also, the news release warns, cats like to eat the decorative plastic "grass" found in many Easter candy baskets. It can be very harmful to their digestive tract.

I also wasn't aware of the danger of Easter lilies -- the entire plant is toxic for cats, and can cause digestive distress and even kidney failure.

Also, the rich foods humans often eat at Easter time, such as ham and pork in general, can cause extreme digestive distress if given to dogs in large amounts, problems which can lead to extended hospitalization and even death.

So save the human treats and candy goodies of Easter for the, uh, HUMANS -- and make sure your pet loved ones get suitable kitty or doggy treats made for their health and safety.

Oh, it goes without saying, doesn't it, that giving cute little chicks or ducks at Easter is a very unwise idea without checking first that they will be welcomed carefully into the recipient's family, and well cared for.

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