wual
Part of the NPR digital network
APR
APR
bucket link
Of Special Mention: Dr. Noble's book reviews have been made possible in part through grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Tools
Tools
bucket link
Search Arts
Search Arts
go
On Radio
On Radio
American Routes
(Friday 10 pm - 12 am)
Car Talk Puzzler (Sat & Sun 10 - 11am)
Geo Quiz
(Mon - Fri 6 - 7pm)
PETS
Easter Goodies May Not Be Good For Pets
Easter Goodies May Not Be Good For Pets
Like small children, pets love to sneak a forbidden treat. If that treat is in an Easter basket, your best friend could end up with a tummy ache - or worse (much worse)! Speaking of Pets
April 7, 2012 by Mindy Norton Easter can be a lot fun for the whole family. Well, most of the family – like other holidays we humans celebrate, some of the decorations and seasonal goodies can become problems for our pets.

Let's start with the Easter basket, brimming with goodies like chocolate bunnies.

Whether you start with the ears or the feet, it's okay for us because our bodies can handle the chocolate. Not so for our pets.

Chocolate contains theobromine which can be toxic especially for dogs, causing digestive problems. In the most serious reactions, it can be fatal. Dark chocolate has more theobromine than milk chocolate, but you shouldn't let your pet have any of it.

Looking past the chocolate, there could be more dangers lurking in that Easter candy, especially anything sweetened with Xylitol.

That's an artificial sweetener often used in gum, candies and some baked goods.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center warns that Xylitol can cause systemic reactions in dogs and ferrets that may lead to digestive and neurological problems which could result in seizures, coma, or liver failure.

Be very careful to keep products with Xylitol away from your pet.

Looking past all the chocolate and candy, we see Easter grass, that colorful filler used in Easter baskets.

For some reason, cats especially are fascinated with Easter grass. Maybe it's the way it floats in the air and flutters to the floor, or wiggles with the slightest breeze.

Be careful not to let your cat (or dog) eat Easter grass. Like Christmas tinsel, it can cause deadly digestive problems.

The last thing I'll mention today is the Easter Lily.

The Pet Poison Helpline includes the Lily on its list of top-ten poisonous plants for pets. Be careful to keep your Easter Lilies away from your furry friends.

If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a poisonous plant or chocolate or Xylitol or Easter grass, call your veterinarian immediately. Better yet, protect your pet from access to these threats to their health.

A little extra effort up front can help everyone in the family to have a happy Easter, when you're speaking of pets.

Speaking of Pets with host Mindy Norton (pets@apr.org) is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in general, and who want to celebrate that special relationship between us and our animal companions. Find out more about Speaking of Pets at Alabama Public Radio. © Copyright 2013, APR - ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO