Easter is a special time to get together with family, friends and even pets. Usually, on this date, people have lunch with typical foods and exchange chocolates, one of the most consumed products at this time of year.
However, if you are the guardian of a pet, you should avoid offering some of these foods to them, as they could harm their health and safety. Below, veterinarian Flavio Lopes lists the main precautions for feeding animals during the celebrations. Check them out!
1. Chocolate should not be offered to the pet
According to Flavio Lopes, the most toxic food for dogs and cats at Easter is chocolate, and dogs are more sensitive than cats. The sweet is made up of a substance that is toxic to pets, known as theobromine (also found in coffee and açaí). It can cause intoxication even when consumed in small quantities. “The more bitter the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine,” says the vet.
Even with the care of their guardians, pets can end up eating chocolate away from their presence; therefore, it is important to watch out for some gastrointestinal reactions, such as vomiting, which may or may not contain blood, polyuria (increased urinary frequency), as well as neurological signs such as inharmonious movements when walking and convulsions.
When there is a large ingestion of the product, the case can become even more serious, with the pet showing signs of more rigid muscle contraction, increased respiratory rate and low body temperature.
2. Keep an eye on lunch
It’s not just chocolate that poses a risk to pets. You have to be very careful with other foods served at Easter lunch, such as cod, garlic and onions, because they contain substances that can cause damage to red blood cells (blood cells), causing anemia in the pet, which can be acute or chronic. “Many of the foods we are used to eating at Easter are toxic and very bad for animals,” says Flavio Lopes.
The specialist advises that information should always be obtained from a trusted veterinarian, to explain the consequences of offering foods that can cause adverse reactions. But according to him, pieces of raw meat can also be dangerous because of the risk of them being contaminated with bacteria, protozoa or helminths.
3. Pay attention to animals undergoing treatment
Animals using adjuvant food need to be given extra care. Nothing other than the prescribed food should be offered. “If we already have to be careful with healthy animals, those receiving therapeutic food need to be monitored even more closely. As they are being fed a prescribed diet, it must be followed to the letter,” explains Flavio Lopes.
As the vet points out, these foods contain nutritional levels and ingredients specific to the illness of the animal being treated. If something gets out of hand, any other edible product offered could aggravate the illness or cause the therapeutic diet not to have the desired effect.
4. Beware of packaging
In addition to food, another important precaution that pet owners should be aware of is packaging and small toys or components of such packaging that can be swallowed by pets, especially puppies.
Some Easter eggs contain toys with very small parts, which can generate curiosity in the animal, which uses its mouth as a way of understanding what the object is. “This represents a greater danger for puppies, as they are by nature more curious, and the chance of them swallowing something is much greater,” warns the vet.
If the guardian suspects that the pet has swallowed a piece of packaging or a toy, Flávio Lopes advises taking it to the vet, who may or may not recommend imaging tests, such as an x-ray. Depending on the case, the pet could undergo surgery to remove the foreign body, as it could obstruct the gastrointestinal tract or even perforate an organ.
5. Offer pets treats
Today, there are pet treats on the Brazilian market that are reminiscent of our custom of offering chocolate at Easter. Flávio Lopes mentions chocolates suitable for dogs that don’t contain theobromine and can be offered. He also warns that the idea is to always use food and toys that are intended for the animal.
Veterinarian-led prevention and awareness are the best ways to avoid poisoning. “The vet should always be contacted by the guardian when there is any doubt about what food can or cannot be offered. If you’re not sure, don’t offer it,” says the specialist. A complete and balanced diet contains all the essential nutrients for the pet and, if you want to give a treat, you shouldn’t exceed 10% of the daily amount of food.
6. Observe pets
If the guardian notices unusual behavior, it will be easier to understand if there is something wrong. According to Flavio Lopes, a lack of appetite can appear if there is something strange with the pet, since stopping eating is usually the first symptom.
Dysformed stools or vomiting can also be easily observed, as these are not common conditions. The stools need to be well formed, not dry or too wet. Finally, staggering is another symptom that is easy to spot, but you should always tell a vet you trust.
7. Keep an eye out for fish bones
While the flesh of some fish can offer health benefits for your dog or cat, the bones represent a real danger. This is because accidental ingestion can cause serious health problems, from choking to puncturing internal organs. This is why pet owners need to be on the lookout for accidental ingestion and seek help from a veterinarian if this happens.
