ing an Easter bunny, duckling, or chick
as a gift or consider a cute stuffed animal
instead.
Fake Animals & Lilies are
Preferable to Real Ones at Easter
S
oft bun-
indoor or outdoor,
THE FAMILY PET
nies, cute
must be provided to
chicks
protect the new pet
and ducks can seem
from predators, other
like sweet Easter
pets, and weather.
gifts. But these small
The structure should
lovable
animals
be large enough to
eventually grow into
allow the animal
adult rabbits, ducks,
space to roam, while
and chickens that
enclosed to provide
require a consider-
protection. Almost
able amount of care.
all diseases can be
The Niagara Frontier
traced to poor facili-
Veterinary Society
ties and neglect.
(NFVS) asks you to consider the respon-
Health care for a rabbit, duck or
sibilities involved before giving these
chicken is very different than that of a dog
animals as Easter presents.
or cat. Exotic pets aren’t vaccinated for
Baby ducks and chicks require at
many diseases because it is not economi-
least two or three hours of basic, daily
cal to develop the serums. Rabbits can be
care to become domesticated. They need
rabies carriers. Ducks and chickens are
to be handled and petted when they are
carriers of salmonellosis and can transfer
young to adjust to their new home. When
the disease to humans through their drop-
they become adults, their owners need to
pings. Health care relies on strong com-
be aware of any behavioral changes that
mitment, daily observation, and annual
may indicate sickness. Also, leaving a
visits to a veterinarian.
new pet unsupervised in the pres-
Prospective pet parents should think
ence of a family dog or cat could
carefully before giving an animal as a gift.
result in injury or death to the
What may seem like a good idea at
animal.
the time could turn out to be a
Cleaning the ani-
mal’s quarters is
a critical part of
keeping the an-
imal healthy. A
sanitary shelter,
The NFVS also cautions that Easter
lilies, although beautiful, can be deadly to
your cat. Felines often can’t resist taking
a bite of a lily’s petal or leaf, sniffing or
licking the pollen or drinking water from
the vase. This can result in severe, acute
kidney failure or death in as little as 24
hours. Call your veterinarian immediately
or bring your cat (and the plant) to an
emergency facility if your cat has distress
including drooling, vomiting, loss of ap-
petite, lethargy or diarrhea. If you would
like the look of Easter lilies without risk-
ing your cat't health, artificial flower op-
tions are a great alternative.
The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society
is comprised of more than 75 small ani-
mal hospitals and more than 200 practi-
tioners in Erie and Niagara Counties. It
exists to advance public awareness and
understanding of proper pet health care,
veterinary services and the veterinary
profession.
liability in the future.
Make sure that the
recipient wants
the pet and is
able to care for
it before purchas-
April 2019 WNY Family 75