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14 Mar 2019

5 tips to keep your dog safe this Easter

2 mins to read
Got a visitor or family member determined your pooch needs to take part in the Easter festivities – even when it’s bad for their health? Here’s your cheat sheet to keeping Fido safe, without being a total Scrooge!


1. Dogs can’t process chocolate

While your dog would have you think differently, chocolate is a poison to your pet; they cannot process the compound theobromine, present in cocoa – a key ingredient in your choccie Easter treats. High on the no-no list? Cocoa powder, baking chocolate and dark chocolate all contain higher levels compared to milk chocolate (which is still not safe.) Too late and they’ve already scoffed some? The symptoms of chocolate poisoning include restlessness, excitement, hyperactivity, nervousness, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking and increased urination, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and possibly death. If your dog has consumed chocolate and shows any of these signs or symptoms, get them to your vet immediately.

2. Scraps from the table can be toxic

While it might feel mean to sit down to a big Easter feast while your pooch has his standard fare, feeding them leftovers isn’t necessarily a kind thing to do. The RSPCA report there are many ‘human’ foods that are toxic to your dog. These include:

  • onions, onion powder & garlic
  • coffee or caffeine products (possibly present in desserts or sauces)
  • avocado
  • grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants
  • nuts
  • unripe tomatoes
  • mushrooms
  • xylitol (sugar substitute found in some products such as some types of sugar-free chewing gum, lollies, baking goods) 

3. A sudden change in diet makes them sick

Ever noticed how buying a different brand of doggie chow can result in ‘digestive issues’ for your dog – ranging from smelly gas, runnier stools to diarrhoea? This is because a change in diet can upset your dog’s stomach. So while they may enjoy it in the moment, you’re setting them up for an unpleasant afternoon or evening.

4. Treat your dog without making them sick

Wanting to include your dog is a lovely thing to do, and the good news is, while choccie and the foods listed above are not a kindness, there are still plenty of treats you can provide. Fish, such as tinned sardines, tinned tuna and tinned salmon can be given as a treat occasionally, as can small amount of cooked vegetables, cooked meat, or plain cooked pasta. Wanting to give something more festive? Why not make some of these Berry good Easter eggs ahead of time?

5. Include them in activities rather than overindulging them with food

Before you sit down for your Easter feast, why not take your dog for a walk, or a game of Frisbee in the back yard? Dogs love spending time with their humans above all else, and you can wear them out so they’ll enjoy a nice nap while you scoff your special meal!

Read more:The 10 best dog breeds for running

 

Related Product:

  • PAW DigestiCare 60™
    A multi-strain, multi-species probiotic and wholefood powder for the maintenance of everyday digestive health of pets.


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