Easter can be a fun and festive time for you and your furry friends but, it can also be a time of DANGER!! With these helpful tips, we hope that you and your fur babies can safely enjoy the holiday!

1. Beware of ALL chocolate treats!!! Chocolate can be lethal to dogs and cats. Also, avoid any candy or products with the artificial sweetener xylitol. Even a small amount of either chocolate or xylitol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or an increased heart rate.

Below are a few pet friendly treats for your furry family members:

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats (makes 25) Items you’ll need…

*2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

*2 eggs *1/2 cup canned pumpkin

*2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure the peanut butter does not contain Xylitol)

*1/2 teaspoon salt *1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

• Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

TASTY CAT CLAWS (makes 18)

Items you’ll need…

*1/4 cup warm water

*5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

*3 tablespoons soft margarine

*1 tablespoon cod liver oil

*1 cup white flour

*1/4 cup soy flour

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine water, cheese, margarine and oil. Add flour and form a dough. Roll to 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutter.

· Bake at 300 degrees on an ungreased cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden.

All recipes are for special-occasion treats for your pet. They should not replace meals and should be offered sparingly. If your pet has food allergies or special dietary requirements, check with your veterinarian before offering them.