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With Easter just around the corner, many of us will be spending time with family and indulging in lots of chocolate – but it’s important dog owners are aware of the risks that this time can pose to our four-legged friends.
Without the right supervision and guidance, Easter can be a particularly dangerous time for pets.
While avoiding chocolate is maybe a rule that all dog owners know, there could be dangers from unexpected sources that you need to know about.
Dr Linda Simon, an in-house Veterinary surgeon at Pooch & Mutt, has shared her expert advice on how to keep your dogs safe, while Forbes Advisor pet insurance experts have provided their own tips to avoid having to take out a hefty insurance claim this Easter!
See below to find out how you can keep your dog safe this Easter weekend.
Dr Linda Simon, an in-house Veterinary surgeon at Pooch & Mutt, has shared her expert advice on how to keep your dogs safe, while Forbes Advisor pet insurance experts have provided their own tips to avoid having to take out a hefty insurance claim this Easter!
5. Avoid feeding your dog roast dinner leftovers
As tempting as it may be to give your dog a little treat during a roast dinner, certain foods can be harmful to them. Dr Linda said: "While lean chicken meat is absolutely fine to give to our dogs, we need to be cautious of offering too much skin as chicken skin is high in fat, causing pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Stuffing is generally a ‘no-no’ for dogs as it contains onion and garlic. If eaten in large quantities, these allium plants can cause red blood cells to break down and can cause anaemia. Some gravies may be safe, but richer gravies with butter or meat fat are too high in fat and salt and can cause stomach upsets and pancreatitis. Overall, Veggies are the safest option if you want to share, but avoid those cooked in fat or butter. Boiled carrots, parsnips, sprouts, and potatoes are good choices." To be safe, stick to dog-friendly treats and avoid feeding your pups human food. Photo: UGC
6. Avoid your dog getting access to your rubbish bins
Even if you are vigilant at keeping your dog away from these dangerous foods, their super-sensitive sense of smell makes them great at tracking down those tasty treats - even in the rubbish bin. To prevent potentially dangerous incidents, store your bin out of reach or weigh down the lid when your dog is around. Easter adds to the risk of food scraps, wrappers, and packaging that could cause blockages or internal damage if ingested. Photo: Pixamio from Pixabay
7. Keep Easter egg aluminium foil out of reach
One item which can prove especially dangerous if dug out of the bin and ingested is aluminium foil from Easter eggs. If swallowed, it can cause blockages in the digestive system, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially fatal complications. Make sure to dispose of any foil wrappers in a secure bin by following the previous tip. Photo: Congerdesign from Pixabay
8. Be cautious around springtime plants during dog walks
Spring means lots of beautiful flowers are blooming once again. However, some flowers and plants, such as lilies, daffodils, and tulips, can be toxic to dogs if ingested. If you're out for a walk with your dog, keep an eye out for these plants and make sure your dog doesn't eat any part of them. Photo: AkirEVaga from Pixabay