Easter is a joyful time full of family, chocolate, and long-weekend relaxation. But while we’re enjoying the festivities, our pets can be exposed to a number of hidden dangers. We see a spike in emergency visits every Easter—many of which could be avoided with a little extra awareness.
Here are the most common Easter emergencies for pets and how to prevent them.
Chocolate Ingestion
One of the top Easter-related emergencies we see is chocolate toxicity. Dogs, in particular, are notorious for sniffing out hidden chocolate eggs or raiding the stash after an Easter egg hunt.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated heart rate, seizures, and in severe cases, death. If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, seek emergency care immediately—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Hot Cross Buns
Another seasonal treat that spells danger for dogs is the humble hot cross bun. These often contain sultanas, raisins, and currants, all of which can trigger acute kidney failure in dogs—even in small amounts.
Toxicity isn’t dose-dependent and signs can be delayed, so it’s important to seek veterinary attention straight away if your pet has eaten even a single raisin or sultana.
Easter Decorations and Toys
Plastic eggs, foil wrappers, stuffed bunnies, and ribbons might seem harmless, but they can become choking hazards or cause blockages if swallowed by curious pets.
We frequently perform surgery to remove ingested Easter decorations. To avoid an emergency visit, keep all festive items out of reach and supervise your pets around any Easter set-ups.
Easter Lilies
Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats. Even brushing against the flower and then grooming can lead to acute kidney failure. All parts of the plant—petals, leaves, stems, pollen, and even the water in the vase—are dangerous.
If you have cats at home, it’s best to avoid lilies altogether. Dogs are less affected, but lilies can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Have a Safe and Happy Easter
We love this time of year—and we know you want your pets to enjoy it too. Keeping these common Easter emergencies for pets in mind can help you avoid an unplanned trip to the vet.
If your pet becomes unwell or eats something they shouldn’t, don’t delay in contacting us. We are open 24 hours throughout the Easter long weekend to provide expert emergency care when you need it most.