Easter bunny no good for pets

Celebrating public holidays around Easter can be a wonderful time, but pet owners have been urged to be mindful of their furry friends safety.

RSPCA Victoria is reminding Victorians to keep toxic treats away from their pets ahead of the Easter and ANZAC Day holiday period.

Dr Fiona Pearson, RSPCA Victoria Veterinarian, warned chocolate and hot cross buns are toxic to cats and dogs, while Easter Lilies can spell disaster for cats.

“Please keep these treats and plants away from your pets this Easter,” Dr Pearson said.

“Chocolate and fruits like grapes, sultana and raisins can cause serious health problems for pets,” she said.

The vet warned about chemicals present in the Easter treats which can spell immediate problems for dogs and cats.

“Theobromine and caffeine are present in human chocolate, which is why it’s toxic for dogs and cats, while fruit like grapes, sultanas and raisins can cause kidney failure,” said Dr Pearson.

“Time is of the essence if your pet eats these toxic foods, so don’t take a ‘wait and see’ approach, as this can cause permanent damage to their health or, at worst, even result in death,” she said.

Easter lilies are also toxic to cats, so the RSPCA is asking families to be mindful of those plant gifts and table decorations that can pose a big risk to their pets.

The vet said that it’s important to take all ingestions seriously, especially if you’re not sure how much your pet has eaten.

“By the time your pet is showing symptoms it’s potentially already a life-threatening situation, please don’t wait to get treatment,” she said.

If your pet has eaten chocolate, symptoms may include restlessness, excitement, hyperactivity, nervousness, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking and urination, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and possibly death.

Tips to keep your pets safe this Easter:

Know the location of the nearest emergency vet clinic and have their contact details ready

Keep chocolate, hot cross buns, and lilies out of reach from pets

Act quickly if you suspect your pet has consumed anything dangerous and get them to the vet clinic as soon as possible.

For more information on how to keep your pet, safe visit: rspcavic.org/learn/easter-tips