With Easter almost upon us, one of Australia’s leading dog groomers and pet educators Emily Myatt is reminding Douglas pet owners that this time of the year can also be deadly for pets, particularly dogs.

It’s one of the busiest times of the year for vets with unnecessary and preventable emergencies. Your dog could become very ill, or even worse if it's given or finds some of the things that make Easter sweet. That scenario could be heart breaking for the whole family, so listen up.

Emily says

Emily Myatt told Newsport that people need to ensure Easter baskets filled with lollies and chocolate are out of reach of pets. “Sugar can be harmful to pets and the ingestion of granulated sugar can cause a stomach upset, also chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which can’t be metabolised by dogs and builds up to a level that is toxic to their system, and it also contains caffeine which can lead to an increased heart rate,” said Ms Myatt.

The rules

1. Count the number of chocolate Easter eggs before the kid’s egg hunt to ensure they are all found. Maybe consider holding your Easter egg hunt in the front yard while your dog is secure in the backyard.
2. Don’t share your hot cross buns with your pooch as they contain dried fruit, such as currants, sultanas and raisins which are all toxic to K9’s.
3. Remind family and friends not to share any Easter meal scraps with your pets like fats, pepper, red wine, and other ingredients found in sauces and other cooking ingredients, like onions that can cause upset to your animal’s stomach.
4. Keep Easter decor and ornaments away from your pets as these seasonal themed items can often pose a health and choking hazard, so best place these in hard-to-reach areas.
5. Be mindful of guests coming and going over the Easter period, as pets can easily bolt out the front door and get lost.
6. Make sure to put the lid on your garbage bin if you have pets likely be tempted by the rubbish.
7. Emily also asks Douglas Shire folk to think twice before gifting Easter animals like rabbits and chicks as surprise gifts, they are NOT toys and require daily care that the recipient might not be able to commit to. Every year, animal shelters receive a surge of unwanted Easter pets who are given up after the owners have lost interest or are unable to care for them. Sometimes animals given as gifts are released into the wild when people tire of them. They are unable to fend for themselves and usually die of starvation, exposure to the elements, become prey or become feral.

Good for dogs

While there may be many things that are harmful to dogs, there are a few spices that are good for them.

1. Cinnamon contains antioxidants and can help counteract the effects of diabetes. It can also help with bad breath, which is always a concern.
2. Turmeric can help with weight loss and keeping a dog overall healthy. It also helps with heart, joint, and brain health.
3. Ginger is not only tasty but helps the digestive system and can help with nausea. A great spice to use if your dog tends to have an upset stomach.