Easter can be a fun and happy time for the whole family, including our furry friends. However, it can also come with its dangers for our pets, so it's worth being extra careful. Here are our top tips to avoid needing to make an emergency visit to the vets.

Chocolate

If you are planning an Easter egg hunt, make sure to hide them out of reach of your furry friends or keep your pets away until the hunt is over. Count out all the chocolate eggs to ensure they have all been found. You can provide your pet with other fun activities in a separate room while the Easter egg hunt is happening, such as puzzle feeders and other toys. Also, remind your children that although sharing is kind, they should not share any chocolate with their pets! Dark chocolate and cocoa powder pose the highest risk to pets. If you think your pet has swallowed chocolate, please seek immediate veterinary advice.

Raisins, sultanas, currants and grapes

These are toxic to dogs and can cause gut problems and kidney damage. If left untreated, this can be fatal. Some dogs don't need to eat very much of these foods at all to have problems, so if you think your pet has swallowed any of these, please seek immediate veterinary advice.

Easter Decorations

These can cause a blockage in your pets' intestines if eaten, so make sure to keep them out of reach. Try to opt for paper decorations over plastic, as they are less likely to cause a problem if your pet eats them.

Other foods

Many foods that are not toxic to dogs, such as roast potatoes and cheese, can cause an upset stomach due to their high fat content. Stick to feeding your pet its normal diet to avoid your pet feeling unwell.

As always, if you're at all concerned about your pet's health or safety, don't hesitate to reach out to the Pickles team on 020 8124 3305 or chat with us via the Pickles app. We're here to help ensure your Easter celebrations are safe and joyful for every member of your family, including the furry ones.