Easter Hazards for Pets: Keep Your Pet Safe This Holiday

Easter is a time for family, fun, and, of course, plenty of chocolate! But while we’re enjoying the long weekend and all the sweet treats, it’s important to remember that Easter also comes with potential dangers for our pets. In fact, this festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for veterinary hospitals. To help you keep your pet safe, we’ve rounded up the top Easter hazards to watch out for.

Top Easter Hazards for Pets

1. Chocolate

Chocolate ingestion is one of the most common Easter emergencies we see, year after year. As tempting as it may be to include your pet in the Easter fun, chocolate is highly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two compounds that can be dangerous – if not fatal – for pets. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Increased heart rate
• Tremors

If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Seek veterinary help immediately.

2. Hot Cross Buns

A staple Easter treat, hot cross buns might be delicious for us, but they pose a serious threat to dogs. These buns often contain sultanas, raisins, and grapes – all of which can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Unfortunately, the toxic dose is unpredictable, meaning even a single grape or raisin could be harmful, regardless of your pet’s size. Symptoms might not show until kidney failure develops, so if your pet eats even a small amount, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

3. Easter Decorations & Toys

Small Easter decorations like plastic eggs, fluffy chicks, and bunny ears can be irresistible to curious pets – especially dogs who love to chew. Unfortunately, swallowing these small items can lead to choking or blockages in the intestines, often requiring emergency surgery.
To avoid a trip to the vet, keep all decorations and small toys well out of reach of your pet.

4. Easter Lilies

If you have a cat, beware of Easter lilies. These flowers, along with several other types of lilies, are highly toxic to felines. Ingesting even a tiny amount – whether it’s a bite of a petal or pollen licked off their fur – can cause acute kidney failure.

While lilies are mildly toxic to dogs, they don’t pose the same severe risk as they do to cats. To be safe, it’s best to keep lilies out of your home entirely.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Easter!

We hope you and your pets have a wonderful Easter celebration! Remember to keep these common hazards in mind to ensure a safe and stress-free holiday for your furry friends.

If your pet becomes ill or injured, don’t hesitate to contact your local vet immediately.