Easter is a time of joy, celebration, and plenty of sweet treats. But while we’re enjoying chocolate eggs and seasonal decorations, it’s important to remember that some Easter traditions can pose risks to our pets. From toxic treats like chocolate to hazards such as decorative grass and certain spring plants, there’s a lot to watch out for.
Instead of sharing Easter goodies with your furry friends, why not treat them to something pet-friendly instead? With many pets starting to shed their winter coats at this time of year, Easter is the perfect opportunity to focus on grooming to keep your pet’s coat in top condition and spend quality pamper time with them.
Here's a short guide on how to keep your pets safe and sound during the Easter celebrations.
Chocolate Dangers For Pets
- While we humans savour the sweetness of chocolate, it can be a recipe for disaster for our pets.
- Theobromine, the compound found in chocolate, is toxic to dogs and cats with dark chocolate containing higher levels, making it more hazardous.
- Keep Easter baskets out of paw's reach, ensuring your pets don't accidentally devour a chocolaty surprise.
No Nibbling On Lillies
- Beautiful Easter lilies might add a touch of elegance to your home, but they pose a severe threat to our feline friends.
- Ingesting any part of a lily plant or even drinking the water from the vase of Lillies can cause kidney failure in cats. Instead, buy only pet-friendly flowers or artificial alternatives to keep your home looking lovely whilst being safe.
- It’s not just lilies that can be toxic to our dogs and cats: daffodils, amaryllis, hyacinth, tulips, bluebells, foxgloves, crocus and rhododendrons are also poisonous. Not all parts of the plants may be toxic, but take care to notice if your dog eats any plants when you’re out and about on walks together.
Spring Dog Walks
Take care when walking your dog in the countryside around livestock. By Easter, lambing season is in full swing with fields full of adorable newborns.
- Always keep your dog on a lead near livestock—no exceptions.
- Stick to footpaths and give sheep plenty of space.
- Never let dogs chase or approach ewes and lambs.
- Pick up after your dog and take poo bags home—dog waste spreads disease and leaving plastic poo bags behind can be life threatening to livestock if it is accidentally ingested.
Other spring hazards include toxic algae, parasites and grass seeds. Read more on springtime dangers for dogs on our blog here.
Easter Basket Caution
- That colourful, shredded paper grass used for decorating Easter baskets and bonnets may look like harmless fun, but if ingested, it can cause digestive issues or even blockages in your pet's intestines.
- Choose safer alternatives like hay or straw or skip the grass altogether to avoid an unplanned visit to the vet.
Watch Out For Dangerous Decorations
- Decorations like small figurines, ribbons, and other Easter embellishments might look like toys to our curious pets.
- Make sure these items are securely placed out of your pet's reach to avoid accidental ingestion or choking hazards.
- Avoid dressing up your pet in Easter outfits as they may become entangled or ingest parts of the costume and cause injury. A safer alternative is to perhaps treat your pet to new collar with an Easter themed design. Just ensure they fit well for your pet and that cat collars have a breakaway safety clip.
- If you feel your pet is missing out, you could buy a new Easter themed pet toy for your dog or cat to enjoy that may help to keep their attention aware from Easter decor.
Easter Feast Moderation
- If you're planning a festive feast, be cautious about sharing human food with your pets. Some ingredients, like onions and garlic, can be harmful to animals.
- Easter favourites hot cross buns are also off the menu for our pets, as raisins and sultanas are both poisonous.
- While a small serving of plain cooked meat is usually safe, avoid seasoning or using any sauces such as gravy that may contain harmful ingredients.
- There are of course now chocolate Easter eggs specially made for dogs. If you do decide to buy a pet-safe treat for your pet, remember to only offer them in small amounts as part of a balanced healthy diet.
- If you see your pet eat something that is potentially dangerous, don’t wait to see if they develop symptoms. Contact your vet straight away for their advice.
Easter Pet Pampering
- Why not skip the edible treats altogether and treat your pet to an extra special groom?
- Your time spent with them will strengthen the bond between you and leave your pet looking and feeling fresh for spring. Especially as our pets will have started moulting at this time of year!
- Take a look at our humane coat rakes, grooming gloves and brushes to give your pets coat the ultimate shine.
Easter Pet Awareness
Remember, a little extra caution goes a long way in ensuring a happy and safe Easter for both you and your furry companions.
Here's to a paw-some celebration filled with love, laughter, and pet-friendly festivities!
At Masterclip, we are passionate about grooming and offer expert advice to help you choose the right tools for both you and your pet. Take a look at our range of grooming tools or if you need any guidance on choosing the right grooming products for your pet, horse or livestock, please contact us for our free, expert advice.
Can my dog eat Easter eggs?
Chocolate eggs made for human consumption are not safe for pets to eat. Chocolate contains theobromine which is highly is toxic to both dogs and cats. However pet safe chocolate eggs can be purchased at reputable pet stores, but be very careful not to over feed your pet. These treats should only be offered in moderation alongside your pets usual diet.
What should I do if my dog or cat eats chocolate?
Don't delay if you know or if you think that your dog may have eaten chocolate eggs. Call your vet for advice and take them to the practice straight away with the chocolate packaging if possible. Dark chocolate is particularly toxic so knowing which type of chocolate they have eaten will be useful to inform your vet on the best course of treatment.
What pet friendly Easter treats can I give to my dog?
While chocolate and sugary treats are off-limits for dogs, there are plenty of safe and tasty alternatives! Make Easter special with some dog-friendly goodies. You could treat your pup to natural chews or even whip up some homemade dog treats using ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol-free), banana, and oats.
For a fun Easter twist, try stuffing a treat-filled puzzle toy or hiding their favourite snacks around the garden for a dog-friendly Easter hunt! Just be sure to use pet-safe treats and avoid anything toxic like raisins, grapes, or artificial sweeteners.
Most of all, your dog will simply love spending time with you. Whether it’s an extra-long walk, a fun play session, or a relaxing grooming session to help them feel their best, Easter is the perfect time to pamper your pup in a way that’s safe and enjoyable.
