🐰 Easter Safety Tips for Dog Guardians: What to Watch Out for When the Bunny Comes to Town 🐾

19 Apr

Easter is a wonderful time for family, fun, and celebration—but for our dogs, it can come with a few unexpected risks. From tempting treats to noisy guests and mysterious egg hunts in the backyard, the Easter holiday can quickly become overwhelming—or even dangerous—for our furry friends.

Here are some important things to keep in mind to make sure your dog stays safe, calm, and included in the festivities this Easter.

🍫 1. Chocolate is Not for Dogs

This is the big one. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and the darker it is, the more dangerous it becomes. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, restlessness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, or worse.

Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and foil-wrapped sweets often end up within reach of a curious nose. Whether they’re on the coffee table, dropped by an excited child, or hidden in the garden, it’s best to assume your dog will find them if given the chance.

What to do:

Store all chocolate treats well out of reach.
Supervise children who may be eating or handling chocolate near the dog.
Skip the edible egg hunt if your dog has access to the area.

🧺 2. The Great Easter Egg Hunt: Fun for Kids, But Risky for Pups

Dogs have amazing noses. That means they can often find those hidden treats before the kids do—and if it’s chocolate or lollies, the consequences could be serious.

Even if you’re using plastic eggs with small toys or lollies inside, dogs may chew and swallow the plastic, leading to choking or internal blockages.

What to do:

Keep dogs indoors or in a secure area during the egg hunt.
Do a post-hunt sweep to make sure nothing has been missed.
Consider setting up a dog-safe hunt with carrot sticks, kibble, or treats inside dog puzzle toys!

🌱 3. Beware of Easter Basket Fillers

Those colourful plastic grasses, shredded paper, and foil wrappers might make baskets look festive, but they’re not dog-friendly. Dogs often chew and swallow these items, which can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, vomiting, or worse.

What to do:

Keep Easter baskets out of reach.
Clean up any wrappers or decorations quickly.
Choose eco-friendly, pet-safe alternatives where possible.

🐣 4. Guests, Excitement, and Routine Changes

Easter often brings a flurry of visitors and activity. Some dogs love the extra attention, while others may find it stressful or overwhelming. Changes to routine, noise, and unfamiliar faces can all add to their anxiety.

What to do:

Create a quiet, safe space where your dog can retreat.
Let guests know the house rules for interacting with your pup (especially kids).
Use enrichment toys, chews, or calming music to help your dog relax.

🥕 5. Make Easter Dog-Safe and Fun

You don’t have to leave your dog out of the celebrations! Including them in a safe, thoughtful way can make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

Fun ideas for your pup:

A carrot or treat-filled egg hunt (with supervision!)
A new toy or enrichment game from the “Easter Bunny”
A long walk or sniffari in the morning to get those feel-good endorphins flowing
Frozen treats like plain Greek yogurt with fruit in a Kong or mould

💛 In Case of Emergency

If you think your dog has eaten something dangerous—chocolate, plastic, foil, or decorations—don’t wait. Contact your vet or the nearest emergency clinic right away.

Final Thoughts

The Easter Bunny may bring joy to the humans in your household, but for our dogs, it’s all about staying safe and avoiding temptation. With a little planning and awareness, you can ensure your Easter celebrations are just as enjoyable for your pup as they are for everyone else.

Wishing you and your dog a safe, joyful, and chocolate-free Easter! 🐶🐣🐾