Vets in Wiltshire have warned pet owners to be extra cautious this Easter, as five hidden dangers are responsible for a huge rise in vet visits.
It’s quite commonly known that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but there are many lesser-known hazards over the Easter weekend that vets and insurance experts are urging owners to watch out for this year.
In 2023, Vets Now, which runs a vet practice in Swindon, revealed it saw a 95 per cent increase in pet emergencies during the Easter weekend compared to the weekend before, which has raised serious alarm bells about pet safety.
“Pet poisonings are one of the most common emergencies our vets and vet nurses see – and statistics show around nine in 10 of these happen while pets are in their own home,” said a spokesperson for Vets Now.
“During certain holiday seasons – such as Easter and Christmas – cases go up considerably, often as a result of chocolate ingestion or cats and dogs eating foods infused with raisins, sultanas and currants.”
Rhys Jones, a pet insurance spokesperson at Go Compare, added: “It isn’t just chocolate that can be a hazard. From cooked bones to hot cross buns, it’s worth being aware of the dangers to stop us from unknowingly harming our four-legged friends in the kitchen.
“It is always a good idea to know what your pet insurance policy covers in case the worst does happen.”
So with Easter celebrations upon us, here are the five dangers that experts at Go Compare pet insurance have urged you to be aware of.
5 dangers to pets this Easter weekend:
Hot cross buns
While owners are busy keeping their chocolate eggs away from their pets, many forget about the dangers of hot cross buns.
These traditional Easter buns commonly contain dried fruit such as currants, raisins and sultanas. Even the smallest amount can be toxic to pets and lead to kidney failure.
Spring bulbs and flowers
If you're thinking of spending your Easter weekend out in the garden with your dog then you need to be aware of the dangers of spring bulbs.
Many flowers out at this time of year such as tulips, rhododendrons, daffodils and hyacinths are toxic to dogs, so this is especially important to consider if you have a dog who likes digging.
Cooked bones
A roast dinner on Easter Sunday is a highlight for many families, but once cooked, bones from the meat can become brittle and could be a choking hazard to your pets. This hidden danger is a common cause of vet visits over the Easter weekend.
Hidden Easter eggs
As we begin to hide chocolate around the house, it is worth making sure that not only is it safe from the prying eyes of your loved ones but also of your pets.
Chocolate is toxic and can be fatal to dogs, but it’s not the only easter treat that could be harmful.
Ticks and fleas
Should Easter bring sunshine this year, then the risk of ticks and fleas can increase. Make sure that you regularly check your pets for both ticks and fleas, and check with your vet that your pet has the right regular treatments.
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