On average, April sees a 54 percent increase in dogs in the UK being poisoned by chocolate compared to other months of the year.
While it may seem common knowledge to many animal lovers, lots of pet owners still don't know the dangers of our favourite sweet treat.
To ensure Easter is a happy and safe time for you and your pet, Bella & Duke's chief veterinary consultant, Brendan Clarke, has issued a list of warnings.
From popular household foods to springtime plants, here are five Easter traditions that could pose a serious threat if consumed by your beloved pet.
Easter eggs
Easter eggs and other chocolate treats are a definite no for pets.
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which is toxic and really difficult for dogs and cats to metabolise.
The level of toxicity depends on the darkness and concentration of the cacao.
So, a quality 85 percent dark chocolate is going to be much more toxic than one milk chocolate M&M, but giving any type of chocolate to pets must be avoided.
If you want to get your pet involved in the annual Easter egg hunt, why not opt for some scrumptious venison treats?
Hot cross buns
Hot cross buns contain dried fruit such as raisins and sultanas, both of which are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause kidney damage.
It's important you ensure these are kept out of reach from your pet as even small quantities can cause a lot of damage.
Spring bulbs and flowers
Easter is beautiful time of year with spring flowers and bulbs in full bloom, but make sure you keep them well out of reach of your furry friend.
Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and amaryllis are all common spring plants that are poisonous to both cats and dogs.
They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and other dangerous side effects.
It's always really important to keep an eye on your dog to make sure they're not eating anything nasty out on walks.
Lilies, including Asiatic lilies and daylilies, can be harmful to both dogs and cats, however the consequences are far more severe in cats.
The flowers, leaves, pollen (which may easily attach to your cat's fur and then be mistakenly swallowed through the grooming process) are all deadly.
Even the water from a vase holding lilies, if consumed, can be potentially lethal.
Make sure if you receive any flower bouquets this spring, that they are well out of reach of your pets.
Easter decorations
When gifting or receiving Easter baskets, it can be tempting to let pets play with plastic grass and straw and tissue.
But they can be easily swallowed and often lead to digestive issues, resulting in vomiting, bloating and dehydration.
Always keep decorations and gifts out of reach and use pet-friendly toys instead.
Spring cleaning
If you're using Easter to tidy up the house with a bit of spring cleaning, it's important to remember that many cleaning products can be dangerous to pets.
Common household cleaning products such as heavily scented disinfectants, bleach and laundry detergent are toxic and should be kept safely away from pets.
If you're doing a spring clean, it's a great opportunity to give your pet's belongings a deep clean to remove dirt, hair, and bacteria, using pet-friendly products.
Do you have dog advice to share? Get in touch. Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
