Dogs can fall seriously ill if they indulge in Easter treats or get too close to certain flowers on their walk
Easter is a time to gather friends and family for a slap-up lamb dinner, a chocolate frenzy, or a couple of leisurely drinks in the sun, providing the weather keeps up for the rest of the month.
Easter Sunday (April 20) is fast approaching and pet owners will be eager to include their four-legged friends in the festivities, too.
After all, there’s no reason why pooches can’t tuck into similar treats to the rest of us, or enjoy a walk in the park without being on guard, right?
Well, it turns out there are a fair few dangers dog parents should be aware of particularly concerning food and nature if they want to keep their canines safe and out of harm’s way this spring.
Easter eggs may be delicious for us but, unfortunately, chocolate can cause severe illness in dogs – so it’s the perfect reason to keep treats all to yourself. Some spring bulbs can also be poisonous to four-legged friends.
Luckily, experts at UK vet specialists Davies have come to the rescue and provided some handy tips on what dogs should avoid at this time of year.
First up, predictable, are chocolate Easter eggs. Davies experts are not mincing their words. They are simply cautioning owners – keep your dog away from chocolate Easter eggs.
“Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs,” a spokesperson explained. “So, how can you tell if your dog has been poisoned by chocolate?
“Symptoms of concern for dog owners can be anything from vomiting and diarrhoea to rapid breathing and seizures.”
Alarmingly, they went on: “Chocolate can be fatal for dogs, so if you notice your pet has consumed any chocolate you should contact your vet immediately – don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
“Your vet will need to know details of what they have eaten (ingredients from the packet if you still have it), when it was eaten, how much was eaten, and any symptoms they have.”
Another food we like to scoff around this time are hot cross buns – but you should also keep your dogs away from these, too, as raisins, sultanas and currants can cause fatal kidney failure in dogs.
Moreover, it is not just the chocolate or sweet treats themselves that can pose risks, but the packaging it comes in. It is crucial to ensure your dog doesn’t ingest any plastic or foil wrappings from Easter baskets and toys.
These can also cause serious health problems. Plastic and foil are non-digestible and can potentially cause blockages in the digestive tract, leading to discomfort, vomiting, and even requiring surgery.
If your dog ingests plastic or foil wrapping, monitor them closely for signs of distress like vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect a blockage or other issues.
Elsewhere, pet-lovers might opt to take their furry creature on a walk in the sunshine on Easter morning. However, dogs should be kept away from spring bulbs, as these are poisonous to dogs and some can be fatal if eaten.
Both tulips and daffodils are also poisonous to dogs. In fact, even drinking water from daffodil vases can cause severe illness so make sure they are out of reach.
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