6 pet hazards to look out for this Easter

Chocolate

It’s not just dogs that can be affected by chocolate – it’s toxic for cats, rodents and rabbits as well, so keep it well out of reach of your pets.

Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine, which can lead to severe poisoning or even death.

In a 2025 survey of UK pet owners, nearly 1 in 5 (19%) reported that their dog had consumed chocolate, so it’s a lot more common than you may think. The good news is that with fast treatment most pets can make a full recovery after chocolate poisoning.

However, it’s important for pet owners to act fast if they suspect their pet could have ingested chocolate and take them straight to the vet.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Increased thirst and urination

• Tummy pain

• Seizures

• Shaking and trembling

• Increased heart rate

• Fast beathing or panting

Hot Cross Buns

This slightly lesser-known hazardous food is just as if not more toxic than chocolate for dogs and cats!

Dried fruits like raisons, currants, and sultanas along with grapes all come from the same fruit family that can make dogs and cats extremely poorly.

The symptoms of poisoning from these fruits doesn’t always look the same and you can’t know whether your pet will have a severe reaction or not, so if you catch your pet snacking on a hot cross bun, you should whisk them to the vet right away.

Symptoms to look out for in cats and dogs that might indicate they’ve eaten some toxic fruit are:

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Tummy pain

• Loss of appetite

Raisin poisoning in cats can also lead to kidney failure, so keep an eye on any noticeable changes to your cat’s toilet habits. Increased urination can be a sign of kidney failure but if your cat stops urinating altogether it might indicate their kidneys have failed completely.

Cleaning products

Easter is a time for spring cleaning but be careful when using cleaning products around the house if you own a pet. Many of these can be toxic to pets when ingested or inhaled, and some can cause irritation if they come into contact with the skin.

Products containing bleach, ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, or isopropyl alcohol should all be used with caution. Make sure areas where strong cleaning products are used are properly ventilated, and don’t use strong cleaning products on surfaces where your pet might put their mouth.

If you’re emptying a mop bucket outdoors, make sure your pet isn’t able to drink the water. Instead, ensure that both inside and outside the house they have access to fresh, clean water and tip any water that may contain cleaning products down the storm drain.

Easter decorations

Beware that some Easter decorations may present a choking hazard for pets, like fake grass, plastic chicks, and small toys.

Even painted eggshells, which may appear to be a safer option compared to plastic decorations, can still cause harm.

Shells from raw eggs that haven’t been thoroughly washed can carry bacteria like Salmonella, which can be harmful to your pet. Egg shells can also have sharp edges that may cut your pet’s mouth or throat.

Best practice is to keep your Easter decorations well out of reach of your pets.

Spring flowers

If you’re using the Easter holidays as your opportunity to get your garden in order, you may want to think carefully about what you choose to plant.

Some spring and summer flowers can be toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and irritation. During the springtime, these plants bulbs in particular should be avoided.

• Daffodils

• Tulips

• Hyacinths

• Bluebells

• Spring Crocuses

• Rhododendrons

• Azaleas

Even drinking the water that has run off a harmful flower or plant can cause symptoms of poisoning in pets, so be careful.

If you want to spruce up your garden without putting your pet at risk, Animal Poison Line has a list of pet-safe plants and flowers to get you started.

Sunday lunch

If you’re entertaining family over Easter, a big Sunday lunch might be on the menu. Around holidays like Easter and Christmas, one of the most common reasons people bring their pet to the vet is overfeeding or feeding their pet things they shouldn’t.

Dogs and cats can struggle to digest new foods. Our cooking tends to include far more salt and fats than is good for our pets, and lots of ingredients like garlic and onions can be toxic to animals. Feeding leftovers to pets can also lead to them being overweight.

A staggering 50% of dogs ad 43% of cats are overweight according to UK vets, which can result in a number of health problems.

Of course, we all want our furry friends to feel included in the festivities but there are better ways to do it than sneaking them scraps. Playing games, giving them pet-safe treats, and generally including them in the fun are great ways to make the day special for your pet without putting them at risk.