This Easter treat can prove to be fatal if your dog accidently consumes it.
With chocolate eggs and other sweet and savoury treats decorating the supermarket shelves, it is a crucial time to inform pet owners that one traditional Easter treat can actually pose a deadly risk to our four-legged companions.
However, it is not chocolate that you should be concerned about, but something of a more savory variety. Hot cross buns come hand in hand with Easter celebrations, but they can also be a danger to our beloved pets.
This is because these much-loved treats often contain raisins, sultanas and currants, which are all highly toxic to dogs. It is estimated that up to half of dogs who consume hot cross buns could end up suffering from kidney failure, reports the Mirror. If this is not treated promptly, it could prove fatal.
A spokesperson from Kennel Store, which is a firm dedicated to canine wellbeing, has revealed why hot cross buns are such a danger to our furry pals. They have also advised what steps owners should take if their pet ends up ingesting one.
They said: “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.”
These dried fruits are toxic to dogs because they contain substances such as tartaric acid, which can result in kidney damage even if it is only consumed in small quantities. The expert went on: “If your dog gets hold of a hot cross bun, it's crucial to get them to the vet immediately.”
In contrast to chocolate, which has clear guidelines on its toxic levels, the effects that raisin, sultanas and currants have on dogs can be unpredictable. The smallest amount could be toxic or even fatal to one dog, while another pooch may show no symptoms at all.
Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry and to keep these savory treats out of reach from your pets. But what do you do if your dog accidentally sneaks a bit of a hot cross bun this spring?
The spokesperson stated: “Take them to the vet immediately. 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.”
It is important to stash away any chocolate, hot cross buns or dried fruit securely in a high-cupboard if you have a dog running around the house. Leftovers should also be put away, as even the most disciplined dog could struggle with temptation if food is left sitting near the edge of the table.
While making sure your pet knows how to behave around food is important, you cannot guarantee that this will act as a big enough deterrent when small morsels of food are up for grabs. It is also crucial to make sure everyone in the house follows these rules as all it takes is one mishap to occur and you could be on your way to the vets.