Keeping Pets Safe In Spring
Written by Shula Berg BVSc CertAVP(GSAS) GPAdvCert(SASTS) MRCVS
Clinically reviewed by Elizabeth McLennan-Green BVM&S CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS
Table Of Contents
- Intro
- Food Dangers
- Risks Around The House
Spring is finally here. The weather is getting milder, we get two bank holidays in a row and over Easter it’s socially acceptable to eat chocolate for every meal! As we slowly emerge from the gloom of winter, many people start arranging days out, family gatherings or trips away, and those of us with pets often want them to join in the fun. While pets may enjoy our lift in spirits and desire to get out in the fresh air, spring can also bring some hazards. Read on to make sure your pet has their best (and safest) springtime yet.
Food Dangers
Many people look forward to sitting down for a big roast dinner over Easter, and it’s always tempting to share so the dog (or cat!) doesn’t miss out. Do think carefully though, as some dogs are prone to tummy upsets with changes in diet and fatty food is a known trigger for flair-ups in dogs that are prone to Pancreatitis. If you do think your pet will handle a bit of dinner, keep to plain meat or vegetables – avoid sauces, anything salty and giving bones (cooked or raw).
Some foods we have around at Easter pose significantly more danger than an upset stomach;
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is toxic to dogs. The amount of theobromine increases in relation to the cocoa content, and the danger is dose dependent (meaning bigger quantities are more harmful). This means the biggest risk is for small dogs eating dark chocolate. In low doses, theobromine causes gastrointestinal upset and restlessness, but in higher doses it can cause fever, cardiac arrhythmias and even seizures.
Raisins
Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, so keep them away from baked goods such as hot cross buns and simnel cake. The toxicity of raisins is still poorly understood, so unlike chocolate, even small quantities are still considered dangerous.
Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to dogs and cats, both in its liquid form or as alcohol-containing foods. Alcohol toxicity can cause gastrointestinal signs, disorientation, heart and breathing problems, seizures and even death.
Risks Around the House
There can be lots going on through spring, especially around Easter; children bring piles of crafts home, relatives may bring gifts, and some take the opportunity of a long weekend to spring clean. While older animals may show a bit more sense, puppies and kittens are often into everything and may be delighted by all the new things to explore. Unfortunately, some things around the house can pose more risk than others, so keep your pets safe by considering the following:
Easter decorations
Decorations should always be kept out of reach of pets, including things like Easter hats and baskets. Plastic chicks can look like fluffy toys, and items that have been used to store chocolate eggs may still smell tempting to our canine friends. If chewed or swallowed, foreign objects can cause damage to the intestines or even a life-threatening obstruction. Cats in particular are often drawn to stringy material like straw or fake grass - this can be extremely dangerous if swallowed and may require emergency surgery.
Spring flowers
Fresh spring blooms look lovely in the garden and displayed in the house, but many are toxic to pets. Flowers such as daffodils, tulips, snowdrops, crocus and hyacinth blooms will all cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed. Some are more irritant than others, and all dogs react differently, but in more severe cases hospitalisation for treatment may be required. Most of these come from bulbs which are also very irritant if ingested. We advise keeping both bulbs and flowers out of the reach of pets.
Lilies
Lilies may make beautiful displays, but they are extremely toxic to cats, causing kidney failure. Most cases of toxicity occur from cats rubbing past the flowers then unintentionally ingesting the pollen when they groom themselves, so even cats that don’t chew things are at risk. Small amounts of pollen are enough to cause irreversible damage, so we would recommend avoiding having lilies in the house at all if you have cats.
Garden products
Fertilizers, lawn feed, weed and moss killers are all toxic to pets. Symptoms depend on the ingredients and amount ingested but vary from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe illness and death. The harmful components are usually chemicals, though organic products such as bonemeal and bloodmeal can be just as dangerous, causing Pancreatitis or intestinal obstruction. Always keep garden products well out of reach, clear any spills up immediately, and prevent pets accessing areas where treatments have been applied.
Paying attention to these potential risks should ensure you and your pets have a safe and happy springtime. If you are concerned about your pet, do give your practice a call – if they have eaten something they shouldn’t, they can usually be given an injection to induce vomiting, provided it is within four hours of ingestion. Fast action can be enough to avoid toxicity so don’t be tempted to just hope for the best! Your vets' opening hours may vary during bank holidays, but there will always be emergency veterinary care available if you need it.
Disclaimer
Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.
Page last reviewed: 27th March 2025
Next review due: 27th March 2027