What Can't Dogs Eat at Easter?

Even small amounts of some human foods can cause symptoms ranging from gastric upset through to seizures, kidney failure or even death.

So if you're wondering what can dogs not eat, check out our guide to keeping harmful foods off the menu and identifying when your buddy may have feasted on the forbidden!

Recognise chocolate poisoning in dogs

Chocolate is the biggest potential risk at Easter. According to the Australian Veterinary Association, most dogs love chocolate. Their finely tuned sense of smell makes them strong contenders in Easter egg hunts! But this delicious treat contains a derivative of caffeine called theobromine, which dogs can’t metabolise. It builds up and can lead to toxicity. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content and the risk of poisoning.

Signs of chocolate toxicosis may be seen from 30 mins to four hours after chocolate is ingested. Look out for vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity or agitation, tremors, seizures or increased heart rate. Ingesting large amounts may cause pancreatitis, coma or death.

What to do if your dog eats chocolate

If your dog has gobbled chocolate, chocolate cake, cocoa powder or coffee, seek help from your vet immediately.

The vet will want to know your dog’s weight plus the type and amount of chocolate eaten. These factors can affect the level of toxicity, but remember that small amounts may still cause serious problems.

If your vet recommends treatment, this may range from injections or medications to induce vomiting, to charcoal meals to help reduce theobromine absorption, intravenous fluids or hospitalisation for severe toxicity.

Why hot cross buns are bad for your dog

At Easter, dried fruits like sultanas, currants and raisins can be packed into hot cross buns and other flavoursome baked goodies. But these can cause kidney damage. Raw bread dough with yeast can also be harmful, according to the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline (AAPH), so if you're making hot cross buns, keep your pooch safely away!

What Other Foods Dogs Cannot Eat at Easter

Be familiar with forbidden foods to keep your dog safe

There are a number of foods that can be toxic to dogs, not just chocolate and hot cross buns! These include:

Xylitol

Sugar substitute xylitol can be found in sugarless products such as sweets, chewing gum, breath mints, baked goods, peanut butter plus some toothpastes and dietary supplements. According to the AAPH, when a dog ingests xylitol, their pancreas releases large amounts of insulin. Their blood sugar level can fall and they are at risk of hypoglycaemic crisis. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, weakness, collapse and seizures.

High fat, high salt foods

Pork crackling, sausages, chicken skin or fatty trimmings might make your mouth water, but high fat foods can cause inflammation of the pancreas in dogs. The RSPCA says salt can also lead to excessive thirst and urination.

Onions, garlic and chives

Raw, cooked and powdered forms of these foods can cause gastric irritation. If eaten in large amounts, they may cause red blood cell damage or anaemia.

Alcohol

If you’re imbibing while catching up with friends, make sure your four-legged friend doesn’t join the party! Alcohol may cause vomiting, low body temperature, depressed breathing, low blood sugar, seizures, or even coma and death. While many pet owners are aware of these dangers, the AAPH says increased use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers during the pandemic has led to a rise in cases of alcohol exposure.

Nuts

These versatile treats can be standard fare at social gatherings. But almonds, pecans, walnuts and other nuts can be harmful for your pooch and cause vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis. Macadamias are particularly dangerous, with symptoms including weakness, depression, hyperthermia and tremors.

Other foods to avoid

Here is a diagram that shows some common foods that are toxic to dogs and their affects:

What if your dog does eat something toxic?