Easter is a lovely time of year, but from a dog's point of view it is a house suddenly full of chocolate, sweet baked treats and freshly planted bulbs, most of it at nose height. Vets see a real jump in poisoning cases over the Easter weekend, and nearly all of it is avoidable. If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: if your dog eats something on the list below, ring your vet straight away and do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Here is what to keep well out of reach, and what to do if the worst happens.
Chocolate: the big Easter danger
Easter eggs are everywhere in spring, and chocolate is the single most common poisoning vets treat over the holiday. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance dogs cannot process the way we do. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder carry the most, but even milk chocolate is a risk in enough quantity.
- Keep eggs and selection boxes in a high cupboard, not under the tree of Easter gifts or in an unzipped bag.
- Remember dogs are resourceful and will happily unwrap foil to get at what is inside.
- If your dog does get into the chocolate, note the type (dark, milk, white) and rough amount, and call your vet.
Vet note: Signs of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart and, in serious cases, tremors or seizures. The sooner your vet knows, the more they can do.
Hot cross buns, raisins and dried fruit
This one catches a lot of owners out. Hot cross buns, simnel cake and many Easter bakes are packed with raisins, sultanas and currants, which can cause kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts. Grapes are just as dangerous. The tricky part is that reactions are unpredictable: some dogs eat a few and are fine, others become seriously ill after only a couple, so no amount is treated as safe.
If your dog eats anything containing dried fruit, contact your vet immediately. Kidney damage can take a day or two to show, by which point treatment is far harder.
Xylitol: the hidden sweetener
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free sweets, chewing gum, low-sugar baking and certain peanut butters. It is highly toxic to dogs and even a small amount can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, and in larger amounts, liver failure. Always check labels on anything "sugar-free" before it comes into a house with a dog, and never use a xylitol peanut butter to hide a tablet.
Spring bulbs and Easter flowers
Spring is bulb season, and several favourites are toxic to dogs if dug up and chewed:
- Daffodils: The bulb is the most poisonous part. Dogs that dig can be tempted, so watch newly planted borders.
- Tulips and hyacinths: The bulbs cause drooling, vomiting and tummy upset.
- Crocus: Spring crocus causes mild upset, but the autumn variety is far more serious, so know what is in your garden.
- Lilies: Often in Easter bouquets. Extremely dangerous to cats, and best kept away from dogs too.
A quick tidy of the garden and a bit of supervision around new planting goes a long way.
What to do if your dog eats something toxic
Stay calm and act quickly:
- Ring your vet, or your nearest out-of-hours clinic, immediately.
- Do not try to make your dog sick unless a vet tells you to.
- Take any packaging or a photo of the plant with you, it helps the vet judge the risk.
- If you want guidance before ringing the vet, the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) is a 24-hour paid UK service run by veterinary poison specialists.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat hot cross buns?
No. Hot cross buns contain raisins, sultanas and currants, which can cause kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts. If your dog eats one, contact your vet straight away rather than waiting for symptoms.
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on the type of chocolate and your dog's size. Dark chocolate is the most toxic. Rather than trying to work it out yourself, call your vet with the type and amount eaten and your dog's weight.
Are daffodils poisonous to dogs?
Yes, especially the bulb. Daffodils can cause vomiting, drooling and, in larger amounts, more serious effects. Keep dogs away from planted bulbs and cut flowers.
What is the emergency number if my dog is poisoned?
Call your own vet or out-of-hours clinic first. For extra advice you can also ring the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000, a paid 24-hour service staffed by veterinary poison experts.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Spring is a great time to book a moult-busting groom once the weather warms up. Book your dog in with Fluffs.