Second Chance: Beware of the Easter Bunny

23 Mar Second Chance: Beware of the Easter Bunny

Easter is usually such a fun time: egg hunts and pastel dresses and warm weather. But don’t be dazed by all the sugary sweet innocence – the Easter Bunny has a few tricks up his sleeve for pet parents. In the vein of the Second Chance Humane Society mission of prevention vs. intervention, here are the big bunny offenders to keep your eyes out for this Easter Weekend:

First there’s Chocolate and Dogs.

We all love chocolate and we all love dogs and hopefully we all know not to mix the two as chocolate is toxic to dogs. Easter is a landmark day for pet chocolate toxicity, with its chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs and Easter egg hunts whereby the chocolaty treats are hidden in places that make it awfully easy for a pet to find  – and consume –them.

The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate are what’s to blame for the toxicity. They are central nervous system stimulants and can cause heart arrhythmias, increased heart rate, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you find evidence of significant chocolate consumption on the part of your dog, don’t wait.  Call your veterinarian and induce vomiting with a tablespoon of salt or some diluted hydrogen peroxide (not both). If your animal is already showing signs of hyper excitement, get them to an animal hospital ASAP.

The second Easter danger is lilies and cats. Generally, these lovely lilies are toxic to cats (although Lily of the Valley is also toxic to dogs). The culprits toxic to cats include Easter Lilies, Day lilies, Asiatic lilies, Peace lilies, Calla lilies and Lily of the Valley. As little as two leaves can seriously sicken and threaten the life of an animal in as little as three days if left untreated. The chemical in the lily causes kidney failure.  If you find a chewed-on lily leaf, seek treatment right away.

Now that you are prepared, have a happy Easter weekend (just make sure the Easter Bunny leaves chocolate and lilies in places that the furry kids can’t reach)!

And speaking of furry kids…this week’s featured Second Chance adoptable pet is Clifford.

Clifford is a bright and bold cat who loves getting out and exploring. He is playful and loves chasing bugs and leaves when he gets out for walks (yes even the cats go out for walks at Second Chance). Clifford prefers people and dogs to other cats and can be a cuddly boy when he is in the mood and not heading out on a new adventure.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)