Easter and chocolate are a match made in heaven, but while the sweet stuff is non-negotiable for us, it can be dangerous for cats and dogs. With sweet treats and certain plants more likely than ever to be in the house at Easter, here’s how pet owners can take extra care.
Why is chocolate dangerous to pets?
Chocolate toxicity in pets occurs because cats and dogs cannot metabolise caffeine and theobromine as efficiently as humans. While rarely fatal, these compounds in chocolate can make our pets very ill. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of caffeine and theobromine. And while you shouldn’t give your furry friend white chocolate either (as it’s full of sugar and fat), the milk and dark varieties are far more dangerous.
Depending on the amount ingested, symptoms may range from relatively mild (like restlessness, diarrhoea or vomiting) to severe, like tremors and fits. Smaller dogs are at a higher risk of experiencing complications since their body weight is lower.
Are there other Easter foods or plants that are toxic to pets?
Yes, the dried fruit found in some Easter cakes and pastries (especially hot cross buns) is very toxic to our furry friends. So much so that even a few raisins, currants, sultanas or grapes can cause kidney failure, especially in dogs.
Some spring flowers like daffodils, hyacinths, bluebells, lilies and tulips are also highly poisonous to pets. It’s good to keep this in mind if your dog likes to dig around the garden or chew on random things (don’t they all?).
My dog or cat has eaten chocolate – what should I do?
While cats don’t normally have a sweet tooth, dogs are well known for their love of sweets!
If your dog has ingested a few chocolate drops or a bit of chocolate biscuit, this is unlikely to cause any harm. But be sure to monitor them closely for any unusual signs.
Ingesting larger quantities of chocolate, any amount of dried fruit, or the spring flowers mentioned above could put your pet in danger. If this happens, contact your vet for advice as soon as possible.
Again, smaller dogs are more susceptible to toxicity (for example, just 25 grams of chocolate could be enough to poison a 20-kg dog).
To help prevent accidents, make sure to store chocolate treats and dried fruit away from curious pets.
Are there pet-friendly alternatives to chocolate?
Cat and dog treats abound, including pet-safe Easter eggs, with ingredients carefully selected for their texture, nutritional value and aroma, so our furry pals are instinctively drawn to them. We offer a wonderful selection of cat treats and dog treats on our website. And if you’d like to give your canine friend a homemade alternative, try our carob chip cookie recipe below.
★ Carob chip cookies for dogs ★
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups brown rice flour
- 1.5 cups oat flour
- 3/4 cup carob chips
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup water
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and use a spatula or large spoon to mix the dough until moistened throughout. Continue until you have a stiff, dry dough.
Roll and shape your little biscuits (you can use cookie cutters to create fun shapes). Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
With treats now sorted for all the family (furry members included), there’s no need to feel guilty that someone in the group is missing out. Happy Easter!
Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face veterinary advice. It’s important to consult with your vet regularly to raise any pet concerns that you may have.
