Trust me when I say that nothing can ruin an Easter egg hunt or an Easter dinner faster than having to take Fluffy or Fido on an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Fortunately, there are very simple steps you can take to ensure that all your family members enjoy their celebration.

1)      Choose pet-friendly flowers and plants for decorations

       Cats and puppies are especially fond of munching on house plants (and adult dogs have been known to sample the local flora and fauna as well). Many common household plants, including Easter Lilies which are extremely popular this time of year, are poisonous to pets. The ASPCA has a listing of poisonous plants and non-poisonous alternatives. If you believe your pet has been poisoned, seek help immediately or call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Please note that there is a $60 consultation fee for this service.

2)      Stick to chocolate rabbits and marshmallow chicks

Every year, thousands of rabbits and cute baby chicks wind up in shelters (according to the HSUS, rabbits are the third most commonly surrendered animal). The majority of these animals were purchased as Easter gifts for young children. The problem is that, just like cats and dogs, rabbits and chicks require a tremendous amount of time and care and in general do not make good pets for young children. I recommend reading the ASPCA’s article General Rabbit Care to learn exactly what it takes to care for a rabbit. You can also help spread the word that rabbits are not disposable pets by getting involved in the Make Mine Chocolate! campaign. Started in 2002 by the Columbus House Rabbit Society, the campaign aims to educate the public about the challenges of owning a rabbit and encourages parents to give chocolate or toy bunnies as Easter gifts instead of live rabbits.

3)      Keep the chocolate and treats for the kids

Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine, a substance that can potentially prove fatal if ingested by dogs, cats, or birds. According to a report published by the ASPCA as little as 1oz of chocolate is potentially lethal. As opposed to a sugar high, chocolate in cats, dogs, and birds can produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting (in dogs) excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. If your animal shows any of these symptoms, or you believe he or she has gotten into your chocolate stash, contact your veterinarian immediately.

4)      Choose Easter basket décor with care

As anyone who has ever owned a pet can tell you, animals are both innately curious and prone to satisfying their curiosity by attempting to eat unrecognized substances. Plastic grass is extremely dangerous to animals if ingested. The grass can become twisted within a pet's intestines and can be fatal if not caught quickly enough. Often, the only solution is expensive surgery. Candy wrappers, plastic eggs and small toy parts can also pose a danger to critters. Keep your pet out of harm's way by using tissue paper instead of plastic grass and doing a thorough clean-up after Easter celebrations.

5)      Pets Do Not Make Good Party Animals

Even the most placid pet may not respond well to chaos and noise. If you are planning an Easter egg hunt at your house or a large family get-together, your pet may be more comfortable tucked away in a quiet area of the house. Keeping your pet separate from the festivities also significantly reduces the risk of him or her gobbling up some Easter goodies.