County
Derry pet owners are being urged to watch out for five common hazards that could pose serious risks to their furry companions this Easter.
Many families will be looking forward to indulging in Easter treats like chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, filling their homes with seasonal flowers, decorations and gathering with loved ones to enjoy a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings.
But many of these festive treats and activities can bring serious and often overlooked dangers for pets, whose inquisitive nature and keen sense of smell could quickly result in an emergency trip to the vet.
Pet insurance experts at CompareNI.com are urging people to ‘paws for thought’ and make sure their animals’ safety is a key priority during the festivities this Easter.
Chocolate is notoriously toxic to dogs, cats and rabbits, so it’s important to always keep Easter eggs well out of reach of curious pets.
It is estimated that between 80-90 million chocolate eggs are consumed in the UK each year, so it is no coincidence that cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs surge by 50% over Easter compared to the average month.
Hot cross buns, another seasonal staple, are also dangerous to pets as dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas can lead to kidney failure.
Sunday dinner scraps are a favourite treat of many dogs, but sharing leftovers such as stuffing, gravy or fatty foods could cause serious digestive problems for pooches.
Bouquets of spring flowers are a common sight in many homes at Easter, but pet owners should be vigilant as many common and innocent looking plants, such as lilies, tulips and daffodils, are extremely poisonous to dogs and cats.
Ian Wilson, (pictured below) Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “The Easter holidays can be a fun-filled time with family get-togethers, picnics and scavenger hunts, but it can also bring hidden dangers for our pets. Festive favourites like chocolate eggs, hot cross buns and sugar-free sweets can be highly toxic to animals, even in small amounts. Spring flowers such as lilies and decorations around the home can also pose risks, from poisoning to choking hazards.
“I would urge you to stay vigilant and take some simple steps to make sure Easter is a safe and happy occasion for all members of the family, including the four-legged ones.
“If you suspect your pet has eaten something poisonous, don’t wait for symptoms to appear, contact your vet immediately for advice. If you have any concerns about your furry friend, most pet insurance providers now have a 24/7 vet helpline – it’s worth checking if your insurance has this and storing the number in your phone in case of emergencies.”
Five dangers to watch out for this Easter:
1.Chocolates and sweets
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is poisonous to dogs if ingested, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhoea or even seizures. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is likely to be.
Sugar-free sweets can also be extremely harmful to dogs, as many contain the sweetener xylitol, which could lead to rapid drops in blood sugar and liver failure.
2.Hot cross buns and simnel cake
Raisins, currants and sultanas found in hot cross buns and simnel cake can be highly toxic to dogs, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy and even kidney failure in severe cases.
3. Toxic plants
Many popular spring flowers brought into homes or planted in gardens can be poisonous to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Some of the most common flowers to be cautious of include daffodils, tulips, lilies, bluebells, crocuses and azaleas.
Lilies are extremely dangerous to pets, particularly cats, as even brushing past one could lead to acute kidney failure, which is often fatal.
4. Table scraps
While it can be tempting to let your pooch polish off the leftovers from your Easter Sunday dinner, there are some food scraps that owners should avoid sharing. While occasional treats such as plain, unseasoned cooked meats or boiled vegetables are generally fine in moderation, dogs should not be given any fatty or processed foods, as they can lead to an upset stomach or more serious health issues such as pancreatitis.
Gravy and stuffing should be avoided at all costs, as these are high in salt and may also contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as onion or garlic.
5. Decorations
Easter decorations that contain ribbons, string and streamers can catch the eye of curious pets. If swallowed, these can pose serious risks such as choking or intestinal blockages. Decorative Easter baskets may also contain choking hazards such as small toys, plastic grass or plastic eggs, so these should be kept well out of reach.
CompareNI.com gives animal lovers the tools to help them compare and find savings on all sorts of pet insurance, such as puppy, older dog or multi pet insurance.
