Even though one common Easter snack may seem harmless, a pet expert has warned dog owners it could prove fatal to their pet. The main risk is that unlike chocolate, which has clear guidelines on toxic amounts, the effect of this ingredient is unpredictable.
While one dog may show no symptoms at all, a small amount of this treat could be toxic or even fatal to another dog, which means it is even more important to be cautious. The expert from Kennel Store, a dog wellbeing company, warned owners that the snack to be aware of is hot cross buns, because they normally contain dried fruits. They explained: “Dried fruits like raisins, sultanas and currants, all found in hot cross buns, are extremely toxic to dogs. Consumption could lead to severe illness and sometimes death if not treated promptly.”
Raisins, sultanas and currants contain compounds like tartaric acid, which can cause kidney damage if ingested even in small amounts, and in worst cases, it could lead to kidney failure or death.
In the unfortunate event that your dog gets hold of the snack, the expert explained it is crucial to get them to the vet immediately.
They explained: “The vet may induce vomiting, give fluid therapy to support kidney function, and closely monitor the dog. In more serious cases, your dog may need to be hospitalised for ongoing care.”
To avoid accidents happening, they recommended keeping chocolate, hot cross buns, and dried fruit out of reach in a high cupboard, and never leaving leftovers on the side or tables.
They also urged owners to do research before feeding dogs any human food, because even basic ingredients like garlic and onions can be harmful to the pets.
