For whatever reason you celebrate Easter, it’s safe to say the majority of people love to binge on Easter goodies, which can be harmful to our pets. Here are our top tips to a pet safe Easter.

Chocolate

The problem with chocolate is it contains a derivative of caffeine called theobromine, and dogs have trouble digesting this ingredient. Scarily, theobromine ingestion can be fatal in some dogs. Watch out for hyperactivity, tremors, panting and a racing heart, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. As a general rule, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is – but if your dog finds your Easter egg stash, it’s best to call Pet Doctors immediately as ANY amount of ANY type of chocolate (white and milk included) can cause a problem.

Lollies and Sweets

Containing Xylitol, lollies can cause a drop in blood sugar, seizures and liver failure in both dogs and cats.

Easter Grass

Cats are unable to taste sweetness, therefore chocolate and sweets don’t appeal to them as much as they do your canine friend. However, Easter decorations like grass, foil, strings and twine are easily one of their favourite things to mouth, chew and eat. These decorations can cause obstructions in their digestive tract, causing all sorts of complications that may need surgery to rectify.

Easter Lillies

These lillies are very pretty and common during Easter, but they are very toxic to cats. The leaf, flower and stem can kill a cat with one bite by causing acute kidney failure. If you notice your cat has severe vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy then contact Pet Doctors on 5576 0400 immediately.

Hot Cross Buns

Delicious for us, dangerous for our fur friends. Grapes, raisins and dried fruits are a big no-no as a pet treat!

Cooked Bones

Keeping the leftovers from the Easter feast out of paw’s reach is important if there are cooked bones around. Not only can a fatty meal cause deadly pancreatitis, but if it contains cooked bones, garlic or onion it can make them very sick.

If you want to treat your pet at Easter we welcome you to come in to Pet Doctors and have a look at our healthy vet-approved treat range, or spoil your furry friend with a new toy or game to play. Nothing beats a good play session with you!