A Guide to Easter for Dog Owners: Foods, Flowers & Places To Avoid
What foods should your dog avoid this Easter?
Easter is a time of great joy and celebration, marking the onset of Spring, better weather, longer days and yummy treats. Whilst we may be partial to a little indulgence at this time of year, our furry friends need to be kept safe as many of the things we enjoy at this time of year may actually be dangerous for them.
Are chocolate Easter eggs bad for dogs?
Yes, in a nutshell, or should we say egg-shell… But why is this the case, and how can you be extra cautious during Easter?
Why is chocolate bad for dogs?
Chocolate contains a chemical called ‘theobromine’ as well as caffeine. Both chemicals are used medicinally as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator and smooth muscle relaxant. Dogs cannot metabolise these chemicals as well as people can which is why dogs are more sensitive to the effects they have.
It is important to be extra cautious of your dog around chocolate as even small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, hyperactivity, heart problems, tremors or seizures and in severe cases, even death.
Are any Easter eggs for dogs safe?
The amount of theobromine varies with the type of chocolate. Dark chocolate contains the most, and white chocolate the least. However, even if the amount of theobromine eaten by a dog is very small, the fat and sugar in the chocolate could still make your dog very poorly, hence why all human chocolate is best avoided. It is far safer to stick to specific doggy Easter Eggs, or other specific dog treats
Should you be cautious with Easter baskets around your dog?
In recent years, Easter baskets have become popular either as gifts or to be used for Easter Egg Hunts. As exciting as they may be for us, they should be kept well away from where dogs can help themselves to them to try and avoid ingestion of chocolatey and nutty contents causing poisoning. The synthetic grass used in many baskets can also be eaten by dogs causing blockages in their intestines that can require surgery to remove them.
Are hot cross buns dangerous for dogs?
Traditionally, hot cross buns contain dried fruit such as currants, raisins and sultanas, all of which are toxic to dogs even in small quantities. The fruits can cause potentially severe kidney failure which may be fatal.
The reason these foods along with the fresh version, grapes, are toxic to dogs is unknown. Different dogs seem to have different tolerance levels to them too, which makes it almost impossible to calculate the dose at which toxicity develops, as it is not bodyweight dependent. For this reason, prevention is far better. Keep any food containing dried fruit well away from where dogs can get to them. If your dog has ingested grapes or dried fruit - even a tiny amount - contact your vet as soon as possible.
Are roast dinners dangerous for dogs?
Certain traditional components of roast dinners are toxic to dogs such as onions, garlic, leeks and shallots. Bones are also to be avoided as once they’ve been cooked, they become brittle and splinter causing all sorts of problems to pets.
According to the PDSA, it is safer for your dog to have the following:
Lean white meat such as chicken (dark meats often are too rich for dogs)
Plain or boiled carrots
plain or boiled parsnips
Green beans, and
Carrot
Swede mash with no added extras like butter or salt
If you want to distract your dog whilst you are eating your Easter lunch, a Kong toy filled with suitable doggy treats, such as peanut butter, works wonders! There’s a wide variety of Kong products available at UK Pets including KONG Wobbler, Kong Snacks (Liver) and Kong Easy Treats.
What foods are safe to treat my dog with this Easter?
Raw vegetables make great snacks for dogs such as carrots and broccoli - they require effort to gnaw on them so as well as being low in fat and rich in vitamins, they also provide a distraction.
Other human foods your dog can safely eat include cooked eggs, cooked fish, blueberries, plain popcorn, honey, chicken and bananas. Try frozen slices of banana - they’ll love them!
Which flowers pose a threat to dogs at Easter?
Spring is a time when common plants start to bloom. As cheerful as they are to the eye, several varieties can be poisonous to dogs and so care must be taken when out with our little furry friends in the garden or park or inside the home if there are cut flowers about. If you have any concerns about any plants your dog could come across you can use the PocketVet toxic plant identifier to quickly identify any potentially dangerous plants you find. You can also use PocketVet to speak to a vet quickly if you think they may be showing symptoms of toxicity. However, if your dog has breathing difficulties or you think it is an emergency then please take them straight to your local vets.
Are Bluebells dangerous for dogs?
Bluebells contain a toxin which affects the hearts of dogs and therefore ingestion should be avoided. Small amounts can cause an upset tummy but very large amounts can be fatal. Bluebells are commonly found in woodlands, so keep a close eye on your dog whilst walking them in such places.
Are Daffodils dangerous for dogs?
Daffodils are poisonous to dogs if they eat the flowers or bulbs. Even the water from a vase which has had daffodils in it is poisonous. The most toxic part of the plant is the bulb as this is where the toxins are most highly concentrated. Signs of daffodil poisoning include an upset tummy and vomiting, wobbliness and sleepiness, and even seizures.
Are Hyacinths dangerous for dogs?
The entire hyacinth plant is poisonous to dogs however the bulbs hold the highest concentration of the toxic calcium oxalate crystals which are needle-shaped and pierce the soft tissue of the mouth and intestines if consumed by your dog. This results in instantaneous pain, severe intestinal damage and asphyxiation. This means that the dog can’t breathe. If you suspect your dog has eaten part of a hyacinth plant, especially the bulb, then take them to your nearest vet right away.
Are Iris’ dangerous for dogs?
Yes, unfortunately, the Iris is another plant which is poisonous to dogs. The toxic compound in an iris is irisin which is found in every part of the plant but again is most concentrated in the bulb and the underground stems. Symptoms of iris poisoning vary in severity depending upon the part of the plant eaten and can include lethargy, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea
Are Lilies dangerous for dogs?
While lethal lily poisonings are rare in dogs, the majority of lilies can cause tummy upsets or other uncomfortable reactions ranging from vomiting and diarrhoea to pawing at the face due to irritation of the mouth, as well as heart problems, for example, caused by Lily of the Valley.
Are Tulips dangerous for dogs?
Tulips can cause irritation in your dog’s mouth and stomach if eaten. Most dogs will only experience drooling, sickness and diarrhoea but heart problems and difficulty breathing are signs of more serious cases of tulip poisoning
Should I take my dog to the park during Easter?
Easter is a lovely time of year when the weather is improving and the days are getting longer. This means there is more time for outdoor activities with your dog such as a walk in the park. There are, however, a few potential hazards to look out for. Be on guard to keep your dog away from those spring bulbs and keep any anti-social dogs on a lead as parks may be very busy, particularly if the weather is good. Watch out for any snaffling of chocolate Easter eggs being used in egg hunts too!
Are dogs more likely to get stings during Easter?
The period between mid-April to mid-June is the most active time of year for bees and wasps in the UK with the warmer weather and flowering of plants. After hibernating over the winter, bees awaken in time to collect pollen and nectar from their preferred plants. As Easter often falls during April, your dog could be at risk of getting stung at this time of year.
Single stings are usually painful but not life-threatening unless they cause swelling in the mouth or throat, multiple stings can have serious consequences. Dogs can also have allergic reactions to stings. More serious symptoms associated with multiple stings or allergic reactions include drowsiness, collapse, pale gums, vomiting, wheezing and swelling in and around the mouth. If any of these signs are seen following a sting, a vet should be contacted immediately
Are dogs more likely to experience situational anxiety at the park during Easter?
Easter can see public areas, such as parks, turn into busy places which can cause anxiety in certain individuals. If you know your dog is not very sociable - whether that be with other dogs, or children, for example, try and avoid the park during the busier times of day. If you know that the trigger for your dog’s anxiety is likely to be encountered in a busy park, such as people riding bicycles, or umbrellas if the weather is wet, then it makes sense to do what you can to avoid these situations
What treatments are available for dogs to treat common Easter threats?
Whilst out and about with your dog this Easter it is always a good idea to have a pet first aid kit with you in the event of an emergency such as a Pet Travel First Aid Kit. A tube of manuka honey is also very useful to have to hand to ease any reactions to stings.
This is also the time of year to make sure you are up to date with flea and tick prevention treatment including: Seresto® Flea and Tick Control Collar; Capstar for Dogs & Cats (Flea Tablets); Fleascreen Combo Spot-On for Cats and Dogs; Vectra® Felis 423mg/42.3mg Spot-On for Cats; Frontline Plus for Dogs (Spot-On - Medium Dogs); Effipro Duo Spot-On for Cats and Dogs; Program Dog Tablets; ScaliborProtectorband 0.76g Medicated Collar for Dogs.
It is a good idea to always carry a tick remover at this time of year whilst walking with your dogs too. A handy one to have is the O'Tom Tick Remover.
We have been known to experience very hot weather over Easter so do bear in mind sunblock, especially for white-furred and white-ear-tipped pets. These include: FlitaBac Cream and Petkin Small Animal Wipes.
If you are travelling this Easter and your dog suffers from travel anxiety, consider trying Adaptil Travel Spray For Dogs or Pet Remedy Travel Essential Kit.
Should I speak to a vet if my dog eats anything dangerous this Easter?
If your dog has eaten, or is suspected of eating chocolate, nuts, poisonous plants or dried fruit, then please contact your veterinary surgery for advice right away.
How can I involve my dog in Easter activities
What treats can I give my dog this Easter?
So your dog doesn’t feel left out this Easter, here are a few of our favourite treats which are promised to keep them both occupied and satisfied. But remember, treats also contain calories so don’t overdo it!
Sources
What food should you keep away from your pets this Easter? | PocketVet
How to keep your dog safe and healthy at Easter | Dogs For Good
