Easter is a wondrous time for children. The preparation begins with coloring eggs. They anticipate baskets full of sweets from the Easter Bunny. And, of course, the Easter egg hunt, combining both the real thing and the plastic assortment filled with candy and coins.

In all this activity, it's possible that Fluffy and Fido may also want to take part. As children feel a close connection with their pets, they will be more than happy to share if they do not realize that doing so can be harmful. It is our job as pet parents to make sure our cats and dogs stay safe during the holiday celebration and beyond.

One of the challenging aspects Easter presents is that many celebratory items are at or near ground level, making it easier for curious pets to consume. With a flurry of activity, these articles can get left unattended.

It's wise to have your veterinarian's contact information easy to access, as well as your nearby emergency vet clinic, in case you have to handle an unexpected pet crisis.

Here are several Easter items to keep away from your pets:

• Chocolate takes on many Easter shapes, making it sweet and fun for us humans. But it's harmful for pets because it contains caffeine and theobromine, toxic to animals. These compounds stimulate the nervous system, and if enough is ingested a pet can suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures and possibly death.

• Jelly beans, puffy marshmallow chicks and candied eggs that have high sugar content can cause gastrointestinal disturbance in animals. Many also use the artificial sweetener Xylitol, which is extremely toxic to pets. A dog can experience a dramatic drop in blood sugar, begin vomiting, become lethargic, and have difficulty standing or walking from consuming even a small amount of a Xylitol-sweetened product.

• Easter basket grass cushions candy and eggs, and creates a fun scavenger-hunt like experience for kids searching for the goodies that get trapped among its strands of plastic. But unlike the real thing, the artificial grass blades are non-digestible. If ingested by your pet, it can cause choking or become lodged inside a dog's or cat's stomach or intestines, creating an obstruction. Surgical removal is often required to remove the blockage.

• Candy wrappers present a similar pet ingestion hazard as Easter grass. Dogs and cats are naturally drawn to the texture, bright colors and crinkly sounds that aluminum or plastic wrappers make.

• Eggs provide beneficial nutrients for a pet's diet. But hidden eggs that were forgotten during a hunt and become rotten can make an animal sick if consumed. In a pet household, it's wise to keep a list of all the places where eggs were placed to confirm they've all been found.

• Plastic eggs filled with candy or coins can present both toxic and ingestion hazards if pets consume them.

• Easter lilies are not something us humans would consider as food, so we may not realize how hazardous they can be if consumed. Lily flowers are one of the most toxic household plants for cats. Ingesting just two or three leaves from the flowers can result in liver failure and, if left untreated, can lead to death. All portions of the plant are poisonous to a cat's kidneys when eaten, so it's best to forgo this flower for the safety of your feline.
