🐣 Easter Pet Dangers 101: Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday

I’ll never forget the Labrador who polished off an entire bag of Easter eggs before the kids even made it outside for the hunt. What should’ve been a relaxing Easter morning turned into an emergency visit.

Easter is such a beautiful time to gather with loved ones, indulge in sweet treats, and create lasting memories. But as a vet, I know that some of the things that make Easter special for us can be really dangerous for our pets. Every year around this time, we treat patients who’ve eaten something they shouldn’t—from chocolate and hot cross buns to the plastic grass in Easter baskets.

Here are the most common—and serious—Easter hazards we see:

• Chocolate: It contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pets. Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous, and even small amounts can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures.
• Hot cross buns: Full of raisins and sultanas, which can lead to acute kidney failure in dogs. Some dogs get very sick from just one or two.
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free lollies and baked goods. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar or liver failure in dogs—even in tiny amounts.
• Easter basket grass and plastic wrappers: These may seem harmless, but they can cause choking or blockages in your pet’s intestines.
• Leftovers: Ham bones and fatty meats can trigger painful conditions like pancreatitis, especially in dogs.

The good news? Easter can still be full of joy for your furry family members—you just need to plan ahead.

✔️ Keep chocolate and baked goods well out of reach
✔️ Remind guests not to feed pets any table scraps
✔️ Stick to pet-safe treats—they’ll love you for it!
✔️ Supervise kids with pets and food
✔️ Know the signs of toxicity (vomiting, restlessness, shaking, or weakness) and act fast

I often hear, “But it was just one bite.” Sadly, there’s no such thing as a “safe amount” when it comes to raisins and depending on their size one bite of chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats. Some pets are more sensitive than others, and symptoms don’t always show up straight away. If your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t—please don’t wait. The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome.

At Rouse Hill Family Vets, we’re fully equipped to handle Easter-related emergencies—whether it’s chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or something else. If you’re worried, give us a call. We can walk you through what to do next, and if needed, we’ll act quickly to keep your pet safe and comfortable. We’ve helped so many families navigate these scary situations—and we’re here for yours too.

If your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, or you are heading away and want to make sure their vaccinations are up to date for boarding over Easter – book an appointment with us today. You can call us on 02 9086 9130, or book online at www.rousehillfamilyvets.com.au.

We’d much rather see your pet for a quick check than in an emergency.

From my family to yours, I hope you have a safe, happy Easter full of love (and pet-safe treats!).

Dr Belinda