Easter warning

With Easter just around the corner, it's essential to remember that some of the treats we enjoy during this holiday season can be dangerous to our furry friends as well as pose a risk of increased weight gain. 

As veterinarians and pet owners, we know that pets love treats just as much as we do. However, some of these treats can be toxic to our friends with chocolate being a common culprit. Chocolate contains theobromine which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and even death in high enough doses!

Another common toxic ingredient in pets is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many candies which can lead to a release of insulin and a rapid crashing of blood sugar levels with severe consequences.  

The other thing to be aware of is the dangers of simple table scraps. While it may seem harmless to give a small piece of chicken or ham at Easter dinner or lunch, these foods often have very high amounts of calories and fats. Over time, excessive consumption can lead to obesity which has secondary health impacts such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes or liver/kidney issues. Highly fatty foods can also cause a condition called pancreatitis where the pancreas becomes inflamed and begins to leak digestive enzymes. 

We recommend moderation when feeding any treats and if you have any doubts about the safety of a food or are worried that they have ingested something harmful, please get in contact with one of our clinics.

We wish everyone a Happy Easter and to keep all of our furry friends safe. 

Dr Matt Wong, BVSc - Pet Vet at Franklin Vets Te Kauwhata.