Spring holidays bring baskets, egg hunts and a lot of candy into the house. For dogs, that combination can mean trouble. Many popular Easter items are harmful if eaten, and egg hunts can leave treats hidden where a dog will find them long after the children have moved on. A little planning can help everyone enjoy the day.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process much more slowly than people. Eating chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, a racing heart and, in larger amounts, tremors and seizures. In general, dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more dangerous than milk chocolate, and smaller dogs can be affected by smaller amounts. Chocolate eggs and bunnies wrapped in foil add the risk of swallowing the wrapper too.
Xylitol, raisins and rich holiday food
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free candies, gum, baked goods and even some peanut butters. In dogs, it can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and, in some cases, liver damage. It may be listed on labels as birch sugar. Check ingredients on any sugar-free treats that come into the house, and keep them well away from your dog.
Raisins and grapes can cause kidney injury in some dogs, and there is no known safe amount. Watch for them in hot cross buns, trail mix and fruit platters. Rich holiday foods such as ham, fatty leftovers and buttery side dishes can upset a dog’s stomach and may contribute to pancreatitis. Cooked bones can splinter. Keep the holiday table and trash can secure.
Plastic grass, eggs and small toys
The shiny plastic grass used in baskets can be tempting to dogs and cats. If swallowed, long strands can become tangled in the intestines and cause a serious blockage that may require surgery. Plastic eggs and small toys can also be swallowed or chewed into sharp pieces. Consider using paper shreds or fabric in baskets instead, and keep baskets up high.
Egg hunts and forgotten treats
Egg hunts are fun, but they can leave candy and real eggs tucked into corners of the yard or house. Keep your dog inside or leashed during the hunt, and count the eggs you hide so you know when they have all been found. Hard-boiled eggs that are missed can spoil and cause stomach upset if a dog finds them days later.
- Keep baskets, candy and wrappers out of your dog’s reach.
- Ask guests not to share treats with your dog.
- Check the yard after an outdoor hunt.
- Keep lilies out of the house if you also have cats.
- Offer your dog their own safe treat or chew so they are not left out.
If your dog gets into something
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, xylitol, raisins, plastic grass or anything else concerning, call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic or an animal poison control service right away. Have the packaging handy and estimate how much your dog may have eaten. Do not wait for symptoms, and do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to.
