It’s nearly time for the giant bunny to visit with those yummy chocolate eggs but it is also a time to be super vigilent about all that chocolate around your beloved dogs.

I have had heard numerous stories of dogs that have pulled chocolate from cupboards or stole them from you think is a hidden spot in your home and this has resulted in costly emergency vet visits (never nice).

Apart from chocolate you also need to be mindful of some of those decorations you might have in the house like plastic eggs, fake grass and gift fillers.

Chocolate toxicity remains a major cause of Easter-related vet visits, with claims on pet insurance policies spiking during the April holiday period.

Common Easter hazards

❌ Chocolate: Theobromine in chocolate is toxic to dogs, especially dark chocolate, which contains higher concentrations. 

❌ Raisins, Grapes, Sultanas, and Currants: These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. 

❌ Hot Cross Buns: Traditional hot cross buns often contain raisins, which are toxic to dogs. (check out our doggy version below👇)

❌ Easter Eggs (with Xylitol): Some Easter eggs, especially sugar-free ones, may contain xylitol, a dangerous sugar substitute for dogs. 

❌ Easter Decorations: Plastic eggs, bunny ears, or other small decorations can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if ingested. 

❌ Easter Grass: Synthetic Easter grass can be a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. 

❌ Nuts: Nuts can be harmful to dogs, especially in large quantities, and can lead to pancreatitis. 

❌ Cooked bones from Easter roasts – can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries

❌ Easter lilies – deadly to cats even in small amounts

Watch for these symptoms:

If your pet has accidentally gotten into something dangerous, look out for these signs:

✔️ Vomiting or diarrhoea
✔️ Excessive drooling
✔️ Tremors or seizures
✔️ Lethargy or weakness
✔️ Loss of appetite
✔️ Difficulty breathing or changes in behaviour

If you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful, contact your vet immediately

Fun ways to include your dog in Easter celebrations

If you want to create some fun treats check out the Pawsome Hot Cross Bun recipe in the Pawsitively Delicious recipe book.

✔️ Pet-safe Easter Egg Hunt: Hide small treats or puzzle toys filled with your pet’s favourite healthy snacks in the backyard or around the house.
✔️ Create DIY Easter Toys: Fill a cardboard egg carton with bits of kibble to bat around.
✔️ Frozen Treats: Make pet-safe frozen Easter eggs using silicone moulds and ingredients like natural yoghurt, peanut butter (xylitol-free), and mashed banana.

Happy Easter from 3 Spoilt Dogs!