Cases of grape and raisin poisoning were 117% higher than chocolate in previous years
According to recent research1, claims for chocolate poisoning in dogs in 2022 were 123% higher in April than at other times of the year. Similarly, in March and April 2023, cases of grape and raisin poisoning were 117% higher than chocolate poisoning cases during the same period.
Vets estimate2 that nearly 120,000 dogs are treated for food or substance poisoning each year, equating to 323 dogs every day.
Jimmy Brately, Veterinary Practitioner at Adaptil, is urging dog owners to take extra precautions this Easter, ensuring toxic or dangerous foods are kept well out of reach and knowing the signs of poisoning to act quickly in an emergency.
The most common Easter treats that are dangerous to dogs
Hot cross buns
Chocolate is not the only ‘human’ food dog owners should be careful of. Treats such as fruit breads and hot cross buns can also be bad for your dog.
More specifically, even a small amount of dried fruit (such as grapes, raisins or currants) can be poisonous, so be sure to keep these Easter treats well out of your dog’s reach. Additionally, whole grapes pose a choking hazard.
Symptoms of poisoning can occur within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion, and can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, a loss of appetite, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
Chocolate
Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate and baking chocolate, contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both toxic to dogs. Symptoms of ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and death. These symptoms will usually appear within 2 to 4 hours, but can take up to 12 hours to present.
So, if you plan to have an Easter Egg hunt this year, be sure to check that all chocolate treats have been retrieved from your home or garden before you let your dog explore.
Macadamia nuts
Commonly found in Easter cakes, cookies, and desserts, macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, tremors, weakness, and hyperthermia (an elevated body temperature) in dogs.
Symptoms can present within 3 to 6 hours, though it can take up to 12, so it is important to stay vigilant and monitor symptoms while awaiting a vet appointment.
Sugar-free candy and gum (xylitol)
A very common ingredient in many sugar-free sweets, gums, and even some baked goods is xylitol. This is an artificial sweetener that can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure in dogs, even when ingested in small amounts.
The initial symptoms to look out for are those of low blood sugar, including vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking or standing, lethargy, tremors, or seizures.
These symptoms usually present quickly, within 30 minutes of ingestion, but can take up to 12 hours.
Lamb bones
As a key staple in many Easter roast dinners, it may be tempting to treat your dog to a bone to chew on. However, while not toxic to dogs, cooked lamb bones can splinter, which can cause your dog serious injuries such as choking, internal punctures, or blockages in the digestive tract.
What to do if you think your dog has ingested something toxic
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