Keep Your Pets Safe This Easter
Easter is a joyful time filled with celebrations, sweet treats, and festive decorations. But while we enjoy the fun, many common Easter items can pose serious risks to our furry friends. As pet parents, it’s important to be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect your pets during the holiday season.
1. Chocolate
One of the most well-known toxins for both dogs and cats, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which pets can’t metabolise effectively. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, seizures—and in severe cases, even death.
2. Xylitol (in sugar-free lollies)
This common sugar substitute is extremely dangerous for dogs and is found in many sugar-free gums, lollies, and baked goods. Even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures or liver failure.
3. Easter Lilies
Popular in floral arrangements, lilies are highly toxic to cats. Just a small nibble of a leaf—or even licking the pollen—can cause severe kidney failure. For dogs, lilies may cause minor digestive upset, but it’s best to keep all pets away from them.
4. Raisins and Grapes
Often found in hot cross buns and other Easter baked goods, raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs—even in small amounts. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
5. Plastic Grass & Candy Wrappers
Colourful plastic grass from Easter baskets and food wrappers can be tempting to playful pets, but pose a serious choking hazard and risk of intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Keep Your Pets Safe
If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately. A little awareness goes a long way in preventing a holiday emergency.
Wishing you and your furry companions a safe and happy Easter! 🐾🐣
Enjoy a safe Easter by:
- Storing chocolate and hot cross buns securely
- Supervising food disposal and clean-up
- Reminding guests to avoid feeding pets
Have concerns or need advice? Call My Family Vet—we’re here to help keep your furry friends safe this Easter.