Easter Pet Dangers and Safety Tips Revealed

Easter Sunday is upon us, which means egg hunts, barbecues, and lots of tasty treats. While the celebration may be fun, it can also create a dangerous situation for our pets. This Easter, Nationwide, the nation’s first and largest provider of pet health insurance, wants to remind pet owners of the potential dangers that surround our pets during this celebratory Sunday, and share helpful tips on how to prevent disaster. Nationwide searched through its database of more than 600,000 insured pets to determine the most common Easter related pet illnesses. Below are the results:

Nationwide encourages pet owners to consider these safety precautions to ensure that their furry family members are safe during Easter celebration:

1. Set up a safe zone that is comfortable for your pet and will help block out noise. Loud noises from festivities can be stressful and terrifying for our pets. If your pet suffers with severe anxiety (trembling or shaking, sudden urination, pacing or frantic chewing), consult your veterinarian before the holiday regarding treatment options.
2. Leave out extra water bowls to ensure that your pet is hydrated during the day. It’s common for pet owners to forget how quickly their pets can become overheated in the warm spring weather.
3. Be aware of foods that can be toxic to your dog. Fatty foods from table scraps, garlic, onions, bones, candy, chocolate, and products sweetened with Xylitol (such as sugarless gum) all have the potential to make pets seriously ill. Also, be sure to keep your pet away from any alcohol that may have been spilled.
4. Never assume your dog knows how to swim. If you are attending a celebration with a pool, be sure that your dog is familiar with the edges of the pool. It your pet is allowed to swim, make sure they’re a comfortable swimmer, show them the steps to climb out of the pool, and do not leave them unattended.
5. Never leave your pets unattended or tied up in the back yard, and always keep proper identification on them. Dogs who attempt to jump a fence while tied down risk the possibility of strangling themselves.

“The Easter holiday is full of fun and treats, but it also presents many dangers to our four-legged family members,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for Nationwide. “Pet owners need to keep a close eye on their pets to ensure that they don’t get their paws on any harmful foods or inedible objects. If pet owners aren’t able to keep a watchful eye on their pets during the busy day, we recommend setting up a safe zone. Most importantly, any pet owner who has reason to believe a pet has ingested anything harmful should consult a veterinarian immediately.”