I’m a pet expert – Easter traditions can be deadly for dogs, even the meat dishes are dangerous
THOUGH you may be getting your furry friend in the Easter spirit with a pair of bunny ears or a fluffy cottontail, stop short of sharing your Easter food.
Chocolate and candy aren’t the only spring snacks that can be deadly for your dog – even your lamb or roast could cause serious health problems.
The surprising warning comes from Lorna Winter, co-founder of puppy training app Zigzag.
Winter, also a Director of the UK Dog Behavior and Training Charter, shared which treats are “poisonous or toxic” for your dog.
If the Easter bunny visits your house, make sure he knows not to leave eggs full of candy where your pet can reach them.
“Even just a small amount of chocolate can make your pup quite poorly,” Winter said.
“Sadly for dogs, chocolate contains theobromine which for them is a toxic chemical,” she added.
You’ll need to be careful with the peanut butter treats, too. Some peanut butter candies also contain xylitol, which can be dangerous.
To stay on the safe side, call the vet if your dog gets into any candy this year.
Don’t think that sneaking your pup food under the dinner table is a suitable way to “make up” for not sharing candy, either.
You may be shocked to learn your Sunday roast could seriously harm your dog.
“Many elements of your Easter roast might be harmful to your pup without you realizing,” Winter warned.
It’s not the meat that’s the problem, but the veggies your roast is cooked with.
“Most of the allium vegetable family (garlic, onions, shallots, leeks and chives) are toxic for dogs,” Winter said.
Don’t feed your dog a roast that has been cooking alongside those veggies, or allow him to snap up any scraps that fall on the floor.
If you’re roasting lamb for the holiday, you can share – with some caveats and prior preparation.
You’ll need to make your puppy’s serving ahead of time.
“Be sure to put their portion aside before any seasoning or spices are added,” Winter said, “and remove any bones as this could be a choking hazard.”
Hot cross buns may seem like a good dessert “compromise” since they’re chocolate-free.
But just like with your roast, there could be a hidden ingredient that poses harm to dogs.
Raisins can cause gut problems, too, so keep your buns squarely on the table.
Finally, use caution with your pretty Easter flowers. Daffodils and lilies are notorious for being toxic to dogs and cats.
Once the flowers have started drooping, make sure you toss out the vase water where a pet can’t get to it.
Your pet may be tempted to lap up the water, but even sipping from the water where the flowers have rested can pose danger.
“Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and a reduced appetite,” Winter said.
Don’t stress too much on the holiday, but keep an eye out.
“If your pup displays any of these symptoms then please contact your vet,” the expert advised.