The decadent treat that we associate with Easter is incredibly deadly for your dog, so here’s how to keep your dogs safe this Easter.
What is Easter most famous for? Maybe for the resurrection of Jesus and victory of life over death?
Nope, it’s probably most remembered for chocolates in the shape of eggs and bunnies (funny because bunnies don’t even lay eggs)!!!
And it is for this reason why you need to remember to keep your dogs safe this Easter. They might want to go after those pesky Easter chocolates, and you don’t want them to get sick.

While Easter eggs and bunnies are cute and delicious, they are deadly for your dog.
Dangers of Easter treats
Chocolate contains a chemical compound called theobromine. Theobromine is responsible for giving cacao the bitter taste. However, dogs are unable to properly metabolise theobromine.
While eating small amounts of chocolate isn’t life-threatening, pet owners should be cautious of dark chocolates and baking chocolates due to their higher theobromine content.
Pet MD has created a helpful tool that calculates the risk of chocolate toxicity for your pet based on their weight and amount of chocolate consumed.
Another common Easter treat you should be on the lookout for is Hot Cross Buns. They contain raisins and other dried fruits, which are also deadly for dogs.

You should also be on the look out for your dog eating Hot Cross Buns as they contain dried grapes such as sultanas or raisins, both of which are deadly for your dog.
The toxicity levels in raisins and other dried grapes can be fatal for dogs. Although we are unsure what the exact substance is, ingesting grapes and raisins can lead to acute (sudden) kidney failure in dogs.
Oh no, my dog ate some chocolate! What should I do?
If you suspect that your dog has eaten some chocolate, take them to the vet straight away. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. How do I know if my dog has chocolate poisoning? Common symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Panting
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Increased body temperature
- Increased reflex responses
- Muscle tension
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
The vet would want to know exactly what chocolate your dog consumed so make sure to bring the chocolate wrapper as well.
Keep Your Dog Safe This Easter (and Other The Holidays)
Dogs are famous for their sense of smell. That’s why they’re used to sniff out people, drugs, and bombs. Thus, they probably know exactly where your Easter goodies are hidden. Here’s how you can beat their keen sense of smell to keep your dogs safe this Easter.
So to protect your dog, make sure to stash your chocolate eggs and bunnies and hot cross buns in locations that are impossible to reach for your dogs. High cupboards, on top of the fridge, or inside the oven (but remember to take them out if you need to use the oven!) are all safe locations to store the goodies.

You should store Easter chocolates and hot cross buns in hard to reach places.
If you’re interested in participating in the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, make sure you keep a note of the hiding spots and the number of eggs. This prevents your dog from discovering any chocolates that the kids may have missed!

If you’re participating in the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, make sure you keep a note of the hiding spots and the number of eggs so that you find them before your dogs accidentally find them!
Chocolates and raisins are only some of the foods you should avoid for your dog. To learn about any other foods that you should avoid, read our compiled list here.