Easter is a joyful time filled with family, food, and fun – but for our furry friends, it can be unexpectedly dangerous. Every year, the RSPCA and vets across the country treat pets – especially dogs – for chocolate toxicity and other holiday-related risks. To ensure this Easter remains safe and happy for everyone, here are some simple tips and important info every pet owner should know.
Keep Your Pets Out of the Easter Egg Hunt
It might be tempting to include your dog in your Easter egg hunt – but please keep chocolate eggs and their foil wrappers well out of reach.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. This is because chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and caffeine which, if ingested, are extremely toxic and even lethal for our pets. While all chocolate is risky, dark and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous. Just 50g can be fatal if ingested by a small dog.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased thirst
- Weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Irregular or fast heart rate
These signs may not appear for several hours, but, in severe cases, death can occur within 12–36 hours of ingestion. If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, please contact your pet’s veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can make a huge difference for your pet.
Dr. Liz, Chief Veterinarian at RSPCA NSW, urges pet owners to explore alternative ways to get their animals involved in the celebrations, saying “pets can enjoy an Easter hunt of their own, just as long as you replace any chocolate with dog-friendly treats that your pup considers really high value.”
“Break them up in small pieces before hiding them around your house or garden,” Dr. Liz suggests. “Sniffing and searching are really healthy natural behaviours for our dogs and cats.”
Other Easter Foods to Avoid
Chocolate isn’t the only concern. Many Easter staples can be harmful to pets, including:
- Hot cross buns (contain sultanas/raisins, which are toxic to dogs)
- Â Onions and garlic
- Â Cooked bones
- Â Fatty BBQ leftovers
- Â Corn cobs
Stick to pet-friendly treats available from vets, pet stores, or supermarkets. Your pet can still enjoy the celebrations – just remember to do so safely!
Travelling With Pets This Easter?
Heading away for the long weekend? Don’t forget:
- Never leave pets tied up, unattended in hot cars, or on the back of a ute
- Secure pets properly if travelling in utes or trailers
- Pack essentials: food, water, medication, bedding, toys, leads, crates
- Make sure microchip details and ID tags are up to date
Keep the contact details of your local vet saved so if you think your pet has ingested something, you can contact your local vet immediately. For a list of our RSPCA NSW vet clinics click here.
From all of us here at RSPCA NSW, we wish you and your furry companions a safe and happy Easter!
Â
