Easter is all about pastel colors, sugar highs, and those adorable family photos with floppy ears and wagging tails. For pet parents, there’s nothing cuter than including our dogs in the holiday chaos—maybe they’re sniffing around the egg hunt or begging under the table during Easter brunch.
But while our pups might just be looking for a snack or a new toy, this holiday is packed with hidden dangers that could lead to a stressful (and expensive) emergency vet visit. From chocolate eggs tucked behind the couch to foil wrappers mistaken for treats, Easter is a minefield for curious canines.
Before you get swept up in decorating baskets and sneaking jellybeans, take a moment to dog-proof your holiday plans. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your furry friend safe, healthy, and happily snoozing under the dinner table.
Chocolate: The Dangerous Holiday Classic
Chocolate is basically Easter currency—but for dogs, it’s toxic. The culprit is theobromine, a stimulant their bodies can’t process. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse—heart arrhythmias and seizures. And don’t assume it’s safe just because it’s wrapped. Dogs’ noses are basically super-powered snack detectors. If they smell a chocolate bunny in a foil wrapper, they’ll find it.
Tip: Store all chocolate in high cupboards. Remind your kids (or guests!) not to share their stash with the dog, no matter how cute that face is.
Easter Baskets: Plastic Grass, Foil, and Choking Hazards Galore
Easter baskets aren’t just full of candy—they’re often filled with stuff that’s basically a buffet of danger for dogs:
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Plastic Easter grass
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Foil candy wrappers
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Plastic eggs
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Small rubber toys or bunnies
If swallowed, any of these items can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or even internal tears. Dogs love to explore with their mouths, and a basket filled with crinkly, colorful bits is pretty much irresistible.
Tip: Create a “dog-free zone” for baskets. Or better yet, keep them up high and out of reach.
Holiday Meals: Tasty for You, Toxic for Them
Family feasts are the heart of most holidays, and Easter is no different. But what’s delicious to us can be downright dangerous for dogs. Here’s what to watch for:
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Cooked bones (ham, lamb, chicken): They can splinter and puncture your dog’s throat or digestive tract.
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Garlic, onions, chives (often in stuffing, gravies, and roasted veggies): All toxic to dogs and can cause serious damage to red blood cells.
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Fatty foods like ham, buttered dishes, or casseroles: Can cause pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening condition.
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Salty or heavily seasoned food: Can upset your dog’s electrolyte balance and digestive system.
Safe alternatives: Want to include your pup in the celebration? Boil some plain chicken or offer dog-safe cooked veggies like carrots, peas, or sweet potatoes (without butter or spices).
Easter Egg Hunts: Cute Idea, Big Risk
Let’s be honest: your dog would love an egg hunt. But they’re more likely to find hidden treats before the kids do—and eat them. That includes:
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Chocolate eggs
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Plastic eggs filled with candy
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Treats with xylitol (a sugar-free sweetener extremely toxic to dogs)
Even a small amount of xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure.
Tip: Keep your dog inside during the hunt or create a pet-safe egg hunt using dog treats or toys made just for them.
Additional Dangerous Easter Foods to Avoid
Some Easter dishes or snacks may not scream toxic—but they’re still risky for dogs. Be extra cautious around:
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Hot cross buns – They often contain raisins, which can cause kidney failure.
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Macadamia nuts – Found in some cookies or desserts and can cause muscle tremors and weakness.
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Deviled eggs – Too rich and fatty, especially with added seasoning or mustard.
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Marshmallow chicks (like Peeps) – Sugar overload, and some use xylitol or artificial coloring that can upset your dog’s stomach.
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Alcohol-based desserts – Even small amounts of alcohol (like in rum cake or tiramisu) can be fatal to dogs.
Golden rule: If it’s not plain, simple, and dog-specific, keep it out of their bowl.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Safely
Easter is meant to be joyful, not stressful. With a few adjustments, you can enjoy all the springtime fun without putting your pup at risk.
Create a space where your dog can relax away from all the action, and have some special pet-friendly treats ready so they don’t feel left out. Because let’s be real—they’re family, too.
