HAPPY EASTER!! We hope you all have a lovely Easter with friends, family, and your loved pets. Easter is such a lovely time of year with new-born lambs, spring blossoming and fingers crossed for sunshine and picnics.

However, there are some seasonal toxins to be aware of, though yummy for us, they are toxic for our furry friends:

Chocolate – Dogs are usually the common culprit of sneaking some Easter eggs. Chocolate contains theobromine (metabolite of caffeine) which is highly toxic for our pets. The higher the cocoa percentage (dark chocolate > milk chocolate), the more toxic it is. Common signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, excitability and being unsteady on their feet.

Sugar-free goods such as sweets – These products contain high levels of Xylitol or E967. Pets cannot tolerate xylitol as it causes a severe drop in blood sugar leading to weakness, collapse and possible seizures. It can also lead to liver failure. 

Hot Cross Buns and Simnel Cake – These can commonly contain raisins, sultanas, or currants, which are toxic. As there is no known dose-response relationship meaning any amount ingested, is toxic and can lead to kidney failure. Clinical signs to look out for include vomiting and lethargy. 

Plants can be toxic, if ingested as well, including:

Lilies including hybrids – Cats are usually the common victims, being highly sensitive to this toxicity, which can lead to kidney disease. Clinical signs to be aware of include drooling, vomiting, lethargy, increased drinking and urination and seizures. Additionally, hybrid lilies can be toxic to dogs and cats causing oral pain, gastrointestinal upset or cardiac problems.

Tulips, Daffodils and Spring bulbs – These flowers and bulbs can have a wide range of implications, such as severe irritation to the mouth, cardiac or even neurological consequences. Clinical signs to look out for include vomiting, drooling, lethargy and diarrhea. 

If you are concerned that your pet has eaten something dangerous, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01606 880890 or 01606 717969.