Easter dangers for dogs

Easter is an enjoyable and relaxing time of year with family, friends and our dogs, but there are some Easter dangers to look out for to protect your dog's health and wellbeing. 

What are the biggest dangers for dogs over Easter? Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe at Eastertime and dangers to look out for.

Beware of chocolate Easter eggs

Over the Easter weekend, many of us host Easter egg hunts or exchange chocolate Easter eggs that are brightly coloured. These will look interesting and smell delicious to your dog. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, so please ensure you keep it well out of reach. If you find your dog has eaten some chocolate, you may need to make an emergency trip to the vet.

Why is chocolate so dangerous for dogs?

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which is a major cardiac stimulant and diuretic for dogs. Cocoa powder, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most toxic, even a small amount can be fatal. You may not see symptoms for several hours, but it can be fatal within 24 hours. Large amounts of milk chocolate can cause pancreatitis. If your dog has eaten any type of chocolate, it’s vital that you act quickly.

Be careful with Easter baskets

If you receive any other wrapped gifts besides Easter eggs, such as Easter baskets, make sure you ask whoever gave you the present if there's food, such as macadamia nuts, fruit cakes and hot cross buns, or something else inside that could be potentially toxic to your dog. If that’s not possible, hide the present in a place your dog can’t reach.

Avoid hot cross buns

Hot cross buns contain sultanas or raisins. Much like chocolate, sultanas, currants, raisins and grapes are also poisonous to dogs. Even a single raisin can cause kidney failure. If your dog eats a hot cross bun, please seek veterinary advice.

Keep your roast dinner to yourself

Although many of us enjoy a traditional roast dinner at Easter, some ingredients served up with a roast dinner aren’t safe for your dog to eat and can cause abdominal pain. Small bones are also dangerous for your dog. Please continue to feed your dog their normal diet. If you want to treat your dog, we recommend you feed them raw carrots.

Common spring bulbs to look out for

Easter is the perfect time of year to brighten up homes and gardens with spring flowers and are therefore common gifts from family and friends at Eastertime. Unfortunately, spring blooms can be toxic for dogs if consumed, so it's important to make sure your dog can't access these specific areas of your garden. Here are six common springtime bulbs that can be dangerous to dogs. 

• Bluebells
• Daffodils 
• Hyacinth
• Iris
• Lilies
• Tulips

What to do if you suspect your guide dog has been poisoned

If your guide dog does eat anything potentially harmful, or you have any queries in the run-up to Easter on how to prepare, please contact Guide Line at 0800 781 1444. Please contact the emergency line on 0345 143 0217 if anything happens outside of office hours.

Reviewed by: Dog Care and Welfare Experts, in May 2025

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