While Easter time means family, friends, chocolate and a long weekend, unfortunately this time of year also comes with several potential hazards for pets. We all love to spoil our pets, but it is important to remember that our pets are not able to eat the same treats as us. We’ve put together a list of hazards to be aware of to keep your pet safe and out of trouble over the Easter period.
Chocolate
While us humans love to indulge in chocolate around Easter time, even the smallest amount of chocolate can cause dogs to feel unwell. Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs and cats and you should keep all chocolate out of reach of your pet. If your pet does ingest chocolate, you should contact your vet immediately. Symptoms of chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity and abdominal pain. When celebrating this Easter, make sure to let the Easter Bunny know to hide chocolates out of reach!
Hot cross buns
Hot cross buns contain dried fruit such as currants, sultanas and raisins - all of which are toxic to dogs. If your dog eats even a small quantity of these dried fruits, they can suffer severe kidney failure. It is not completely understood what it is in the dried fruits that makes them toxic, but it is not worth the risk.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are edible for humans and therefore often found in dessert recipes. Unfortunately they are toxic to dogs and ingestion can lead to poisoning. The toxic component within the nut is unknown, but the consequences of eating macadamia nuts include vomiting, weakness, hyperthermia and ataxia.
Blue cheese
Cheese is often consumed at Easter time, some of which are dangerous to our pets. Dogs can be allergic to roquefortine C, which is found in blue cheeses such as gorgonzola and roquefort. These cheeses should not be shared with our furry friends.
Avocado
While loved by humans worldwide, avocados are harmful for dogs. Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and heart congestion. In addition, the pit of the avocado can be a choking hazard for your pet. Avocado ingestion is known to result in serious health issues for pets.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often found in sugar-free lollies and sweets. Ingesting xylitol can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level, as well as potentially causing liver damage. Symptoms of xylitol include vomiting, seizures and loss of coordination.
Grapes
While grapes are a great summer fruit that can be enjoyed on just about any occasion, grapes and dogs do not mix! Grape ingestion can cause severe reactions and may even be fatal. The exact cause of grape toxicity in dogs after they ingest a grape is not known, and some dogs suffer more severe reactions than others.
Our best advice for the Easter period is to keep all of these things well out of reach to avoid any emergency trips to the vet. If you’re having an Easter egg hunt, be sure to hide the eggs in places that your pet can’t reach! Instead of sharing chocolate or hot cross buns and risking toxicity, why not spoil your pet with a pet-friendly Easter treat? Check out our exclusive Easter collection for a range of treats and toys that will have your pet hopping with joy!
