Fresh flowers, food, and sweets – I'm always excited when Easter approaches. Your little one must be counting down the days until the Easter Bunny arrives. You can run down the stairs to start your egg hunt and find all kinds of delicious goodies like chocolate bunnies, eggs, candies, and more. So what about your pet? Perhaps they would like to participate in the activity as well. But while we want to include our furry family members in the festivities, some Easter foods, while delicious to us, can be dangerous for our pets.
Here's what you need to know about the most popular Easter foods to keep your pet safe. After all, if everyone is healthy and happy, we can have the most eggsel Easter ever.
Avoid: Chocolate
You probably already know about this, right? But it's true! In fact, according to Lindsey Butzer, DVM and PetMeds partner, chocolate (the most popular Easter treat) is the most dangerous food for pets.
“Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats,” she explains. “Theobromine can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, tremors, and even seizures.”
And be careful with dark chocolate and baking chocolate. Butzer says both are especially high in theobromine, making them even more dangerous for our furry friends.
Avoid: Candy
This may seem quite extensive, but you can never be too careful. Some sugar-free candies contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which Butzer says can be very dangerous for pets. It is known to lower blood sugar levels, damage the liver, and potentially cause death. Although candy is not a snack that should be fed to pets, it may be a good idea to purchase fake sugar-free candy in case your furry friend tries to sneak a taste.
Avoid: Garlic and onions
Garlic and onions may add the perfect flavor to your dishes, but they can be harmful to your pet. Both are known to be toxic, causing abdominal pain and even red blood cell damage. So before you think about giving your pup a taste of turkey or mashed potatoes for Easter dinner, make sure it's plain, with no garlic or onions.
OK to share: plain cooked meat and vegetables
As mentioned above, Butzer says cooked meats (without seasoning or bones) such as chicken or turkey can be delicious treats for pets. She also suggests feeding small amounts of cooked vegetables, such as carrots and green beans. “Remember to introduce new foods slowly and in moderation to avoid tummy upsets,” she says.
How can I avoid giving my pet the food and treats served at Easter?
Spoiler alert — it will take some effort. Butzer says it's important to remain vigilant and take several precautions, such as keeping all food safe and out of reach of curious feet.
If you have a dog, she suggests crate training it or confining it to a separate area while eating. For cats, it may be helpful to distract them with toys or treats in another room.
There's one thing that's often overlooked, but it's important to remember. “Be sure to communicate with your guests that your pet will not be allowed to eat table leftovers or Easter treats.”
What are some signs that your pet has eaten something bad?
Signs your pet may have eaten something toxic can vary depending on the substance ingested, Butzer says. However, common symptoms include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- too much drool
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain
- lethargy
- trembling
- difficulty breathing
If you notice any of these signs or suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, Butzer says it's important to contact your veterinarian right away. “Time is of the essence when ingesting chicken bones to prevent your pet from vomiting chicken bones and causing damage,” she warns.
Even if you're not 100% sure your pet has ingested something harmful, Butzer says even if you suspect it, it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care right away.
“Some toxins can cause irreversible damage to your pet's organs, such as the kidneys and liver, if not treated quickly,” she explains. “To find out if your pet needs immediate medical attention, please call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic. PetMeds.com has online veterinarians available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a dog and are concerned, you can book an appointment and receive professional advice for your pet.”
Bonus: dog-friendly Easter treat recipes
Don't let your furry friend miss out on the holiday fun, Butzer shared a dog-friendly recipe for a delicious Easter treat called “bunny biscuits.” you will need:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup water
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and mix all ingredients until well combined. Roll out the dough and use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to make cute biscuits. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before giving your puppy homemade treats.
