Easter food safety: Tips to keep your pets safe this holiday

Easter is a joyful time filled with chocolate, hot cross buns, and family gatherings – and for many Kiwi households, curious pets are getting into mischief.

While kids are off hunting for chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny does its rounds, vet clinics across the country often see a spike in emergency visits. That’s because popular Easter treats and plants can be dangerous – even deadly – to cats and dogs.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your pet safe this Easter.

Chocolate and pets

Chocolate contains two ingredients that are toxic to pets: caffeine and theobromine.

Theobromine is difficult for dogs and cats to metabolise, meaning it builds up in their system and can lead to severe poisoning. The darker and purer the chocolate, the more dangerous it is:

• Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most toxic
• Milk chocolate is less potent but still harmful
• White chocolate contains minimal theobromine but is still not safe

“Baking chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine, followed by dark and semisweet chocolates,” says Dr Cath Watson, president of NZVA’s Companion Animal Society. “Even chocolate-flavoured cakes and cookies should be kept well out of reach.”

Although cats are less likely to be interested in chocolate, the danger still exists – especially with curious kittens.

How much chocolate can pets have?

There is no safe amount of chocolate for pets. If your pet has eaten any chocolate, contact your vet right away. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity can take up to 12 hours to appear and include:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Increased thirst or urination
• Elevated heart rate or blood pressure
• Tremors, seizures, collapse

Never try to induce vomiting yourself, always speak to your vet first. Try to stay calm, as your pet can pick up on your anxiety and stress.

Are hot cross buns safe for pets?

Hot cross buns often contain sultanas, raisins, or currants, which are all highly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can cause:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Acute kidney failure

And it’s not about size. A single grape is known to cause kidney failure in even large dog. Call your vet immediately if your pet eats one – don’t wait for symptoms.

If you’re baking hot cross buns at home, beware of proving dough. Yeast can ferment in your pet’s stomach, causing painful bloating and even life-threatening torsion (bloat), which can result in emergency surgery.

What Easter foods are safe for pets?

If you’re cooking an Easter roast dinner, some safe pet-friendly options include:

• Raw carrots
• Plain green beans or broccoli (in moderation)
• Small amounts of cooked, unseasoned lean meat

Easter safety tips for pet owners

Easter can bring hidden dangers for pets, so follow these key tips to keep your furry friends safe:

• Keep treats out of reach: Chocolate and hot cross buns can be toxic for pets.
• Remember where you hide eggs: Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and might find them before the kids do. Or try a pet-friendly Easter egg hunt!
• Remind any guests to avoid sharing treats: Resist those puppy eyes – no sneaking table scraps or feeding the pets under the table!
• Keep an eye on children with pets and treats: Make sure kids don’t accidentally feed pets harmful foods.

Try a pet-friendly Easter egg hunt

Instead of hiding chocolate eggs where curious pets might find them, try this fun and safer idea:

• Use plastic eggs without any chocolate inside
• Fill them with little notes like ‘1 mini egg’ or ‘Trade for a bunny toy’
• Let the kids collect their prizes at the end of the hunt

It’s a fun twist for the kids, and it keeps the chocolate safe and sound until it’s time to enjoy.
 

What to do if your pet eats something they shouldn’t?

• Try to identify what they ate, how much, and when
• Stay calm and call your vet for advice
• Keep any packaging to show the vet