5 Spring Tips for Pets and Wildlife

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Spring has sprung, and Easter is just around the corner. There’s no better time to refresh your memory on these important safety tips for your pets (and wildlife). 

Avoid toxic flowers

Whether you’re starting your spring garden or decorating your house for Easter, always choose pet-safe plants and flowers. Popular springtime flowers that are toxic to pets include tulips, chrysanthemums, and daffodils, among others. Most notably, lilies are extremely poisonous to cats – nibbling on a lily leaf, ingesting the pollen, or even just drinking the water in the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in just three days. Pet-safe flowers include sunflowers, orchids, roses, zinnias, and many more. For a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants, please consult the ASPCA Poisonous Plants Guide. 

Keep Easter baskets out of reach

Easter baskets for humans include many items that aren’t safe for pets. Plastic grass can cause blockages if ingested. Plastic or plush toys made for children may contain small parts that are unsafe if chewed on by pets. And that popular Easter basket item, the chocolate bunny, is toxic to dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and a variety of other animals. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst – and in severe cases, seizures and heart failure. In addition to keeping your kids’ Easter baskets out of reach of your pets, consider making your furry family members their own Easter baskets with pet-safe, edible grass, Easter-themed squeaky toys, and tasty treats. 

Be aware of toxic ingredients while cooking

In addition to chocolate, there are many ingredients you may use when cooking your Easter dinner that are poisonous to pets, including onions and garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, and more. There are foods you can share while you’re cooking, such as carrots – but remember, everything in moderation. 

Enjoy the spring weather – safely

As the weather warms up, it can be tempting to leave your windows open. Spring is a great time to double check that all your window screens are secure so your cat or dog doesn’t escape. Ensure that your pet is microchipped and has a collar and visible ID tag. And because we still see rain in spring, check out our rainy day tips. 

Don’t forget wildlife

You might see more baby squirrels, birds, opossums and raccoons in your yard at this time of year. Check out our flowcharts to learn what to do if you find baby wildlife that may need assistance. In addition, avoid trimming your trees until November. During spring, our wildlife department sees an increase in baby squirrels and birds who have been thrown from their nests during tree trimming. 

Spring is a great time for flowers, fun, and festivities. By implementing these tips, you can keep your pets and the wild animals in your neighborhood safe this season.