The Irish Blue Cross Warns Pet Owners About Easter Dangers

14/04/2025

This Easter, we are warning pet owners about the potential household toxins that can pose a threat to their cats and dogs.

Popular snacks and treats for humans can disrupt a pet’s balanced diet and can cause serious health risks, including digestive upset, obesity, and more severe, even fatal, issues.

As cats and dogs have such a keen sense of smell, we are urging owners to be vigilant and keep any tasty, yet toxic treats, safely out of the reach of their pets.

Sophie Olah, Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross explains: “We recognise that it can be hard to resist sharing food with your pets, especially when they have perfected those sad, puppy-dog eyes. However, some of our favourite snacks and even decorations, can be very dangerous for them. With Easter approaching, it’s vitally important to keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, Easter eggs and their wrappers out of harm’s way.

While many owners are aware pets shouldn’t have chocolate, they can often underestimate their cats’ and dogs’ sense of smell. So, this Easter we are asking all pet owners to be extra careful where they store items that can adversely affect their furry friends.

Lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. They can also cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, so we recommend they are kept out of pet-owning homes.”

Ciara Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross continues: “Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain higher levels of theobromine and pose a greater risk to pets. Ingesting chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures. The toxicity varies depending on the type of chocolate, the size of the pet, and the amount they ingested.

Something owners may not be aware of at this time of year, is the danger of feeding their pets fatty foods. Easter meals may include fatty foods like a roast lamb dinner with all the trimmings. Excessive fat found in roast dinners can lead to severely upset stomachs and even pancreatitis in dogs, an incredibly painful and potentially life-threatening condition.”

If you suspect your cat or dog has ingested a potential toxin, we recommend you contact your vet immediately. Early veterinary intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome for your pet.