As Easter approaches, pet owners everywhere are making plans to gather together for family dinners, share hot cross buns and go hunting for chocolate Easter eggs. Delicious! Easter is also a popular time to send and receive flowers. However, the treats we surround ourselves with at Easter may have the potential to cause harm to our beloved pets.
Foods that are dangerous to pets
While a roast dinner is a great way to get everyone together, the cooked bones from a roast are a big no-no for your dog or cats they can create multiple health issues. These can range from tooth damage, “foreign body obstruction” (bones getting stuck in places!), constipation, to splintering and causing damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Hot cross buns contain sultanas and raisins, and these can cause significant damage to kidneys which may be irreversible.
Be wary of things containing artificial sweeteners as these products contain xylitol, this can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures and even liver failure
Most people are aware of the dangers of chocolate for dogs - but read on to find out more!
Why is chocolate so bad for our pets?
Chocolate contains caffeine and a chemical called theobromine – both are dangerous to cats and dogs, and even horses and parrots! Like caffeine, theobromine is a stimulant, which means if your pet eats chocolate, their heart rate increases or beats irregularly, and they can become hyperactive.
Your pet can’t metabolise theobromine and if they ingest a toxic amount, they can become very unwell, occasionally with fatal outcomes. Symptoms can occur anywhere between 30 minutes and 24 hours after ingestion but are best managed as soon as possible after eating the chocolate
Symptoms of Chocolate poisoning
- Vomiting &/or Diarrhoea
- Hyperactivity
- Increased thirst or urination
- Lethargy
- Racing heart rate- often manifested as restlessness or weakness
- Seizures
- Death
Dark and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous types as these chocolates contain the highest percentage of cocoa. Half a 250g block of dark chocolate can affect a 10kg dog.
Ensure before the long weekend you have made yourself familiar with your vet clinic’s emergency care provisions.
Remember, above all, Easter is a time to spend with our family, friends and pets. Rest up and have fun! A treat isn’t the only way you can show love to those four legged friends who make our lives so special. Open the door and explore the big wide world! Enjoy the long autumn nights and treat your pet by walking that Easter indulgence off!!