Pet Safety at Easter Time

April 2024

Do you have a four legged food thief living in your home? Easter time can pose some extra dangers for dogs and cats who like to snack.

Hot cross buns

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are all toxic to dogs and cats with the dried forms of these fruits potentially more toxic than grapes.

If your pet eats any amount of grapes (whether fresh or dried), call your vet for advice. Even small amounts can sometimes be harmful causing vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and a range of other symptoms including in severe cases, life-threatening kidney failure. 

Chocolate Easter Eggs

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can be poisonous to dogs, as well as most other animals, including cats, rodents and rabbits. Generally speaking, the darker and more expensive the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. So dark chocolate that’s rich in theobromine is likely to be more toxic than white chocolate, which contains very little. 

If you believe your dog has eaten any chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.