Safety Tips to Keep Your Dog 'Hoppy' this Easter

While Easter and the start of spring bring fun, nice weather, yummy chocolate, and celebrations, many pet parents don't realize how dangerous this time of year can be for dogs. From sweet treats to toxic plants, there are several unexpected hazards that can pose a serious threat to your dog's health.

Here are three simple tips from Wag! to help keep your pet extra safe at this time of year.

While candy and other treats are fine for kids, your pup can get very sick from consuming the contents of an Easter basket. Chocolate and other types of candy can be extremely toxic for dogs, and chocolate poisoning can cause gastrointestinal upset, an elevated heart rate, and potentially seizures and even heart failure.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains caffeine and theobromine. And the higher the cacao content of chocolate, the more caffeine and theobromine it contains, so baker's chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous but milk chocolate still poses a major threat. White chocolate poses a minimal threat of chocolate toxicity, but its high fat content means it can potentially cause pancreatitis.

Another ingredient to be aware of is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free candies and chewing gum. These human treats can give your dog an upset stomach at best and can even lead to death if consumed in large amounts.

With this in mind, keep chocolate and other candies well away from your dog this Easter.

Decorating baskets with plastic Easter grass is fun but having your pup accidentally swallow it - definitely not fun. Dogs can't digest or absorb plastic. If they eat the plastic grass, it can become entangled in their intestinal tract. This can cause many issues including nausea, loss of appetite and stomach pains, and surgery may be required. Paper grass is a much safer alternative.

It's also a good idea to be wary of the small toys and games sometimes found in Easter baskets. Not only are they a choking hazard, they could potentially break into sharp pieces and cause an internal injury if eaten.

We all love spring flowers, but if your pup goes wild digging up the garden, they can get very sick from eating certain bulbs and flowers. Tulips can cause gastrointestinal upset as well as more serious symptoms like an increased heart rate and rapid breathing, and daffodil bulbs can cause similar problems. Lilies and sago palms are a couple of other common plants that are toxic to dogs, so keep a close eye on your pup when they're in the garden.

If you think your dog has accidentally consumed something hazardous, don't wait, take them straight to the vet. While the severity of poisoning varies depending on the plant involved and the amount your dog ingests, the best thing you can do is get your pup to the vet for immediate treatment. This will give them the best chance of a happy outcome.

It's also worth taking stock of your home and garden to make sure you aren't exposing your pet to any toxic plants. This will provide you with much-needed peace of mind and ensure that your fur-baby doesn't come into contact with anything nasty.

For more Easter safety tips and other information about your dog's health, check out our guide to Easter hazards for dogs.