WITH many of us set to enjoy plenty of treats this weekend it can be hard not to treat our pets to a few titbits too.
However, experts are warning pet owners over harmful Easter treats that could cost them up to £260 for an emergency visit to the vet.
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“From chocolate eggs to hot cross buns, Easter is a time packed with human treats, but many of these are harmful to our furry friends,” Tom Sadler, Founder of Fur King says.
“While it’s tempting to include your pets in every family celebration, it’s important to know which seasonal foods are strictly off-limits so as to avoid causing harm.”
Here we reveal the items that should be kept to human consumption only.
Chocolate
It’s commonly known that chocolate is highly toxic for cats and dogs, and during Easter it’s easily the number one danger.
Even a small amount can lead to vomiting, tremors, seizures or worse.
Hot cross buns
These sweet treats often contain raisins or sultanas, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
Sweets and candy
Many contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is deadly to pets even in small quantities.
Foil wrappers
While not a food it’s a common Easter hazard and if ingested they can lead to blockages or internal damage.
Cream-filled eggs and desserts
Most dogs and cats are lactose intolerant, meaning that they will have a hard time digesting creamy treats and might get diarrhea from it.
Caffeine
Found in some Easter treats like mocha-flavored eggs or drinks served alongside them, it is also harmful to pets.
The experts recommend always reading labels carefully, never risking it if in doubt, and consulting your vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
The average emergency out-of-hours vet costs £260, which your pet might require if it eats toxic food.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she’d never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
