Easter with Dogs: Safety Tips & Fun Activities

Easter is one of those moments in the year that feels like a reset. The days are brighter, the walks are longer, and there’s a good excuse to gather with family (and eat lots of lovely food).

But while Easter is a treat for us humans, it can come with a surprising number of risks for dogs. From chocolate eggs hidden in the garden to hot cross buns left on the kitchen counter, these things can be harmful if curious paws get involved.

Easter Dangers for Dogs

Dogs are opportunists at the best of times. Add new smells, excited guests, and food everywhere, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for mischief.

Here are the key things to keep an eye on:

Chocolate & easter egg hunts

Chocolate is one of the most well-known dangers, and for good reason. It contains theobromine, which dogs struggle to metabolise.

• Dark chocolate = highest risk

• Milk chocolate = still dangerous in larger amounts

• White chocolate = less toxic, but still exercise caution

Easter egg hunts add an extra layer of risk. Dogs have incredible noses, and if chocolate is hidden around the house or garden, there’s a good chance they’ll find it before the kids (or adults, no judgement here) do.

Top tip:If you’re planning an easter egg hunt, keep your dog supervised or in a separate area. It’s also worth doing a quick egg count before and after to make sure none have been forgotten.

Hot cross buns

It wouldn’t be Easter without hot cross buns, but unfortunately, they’re a no-go for dogs.

Most recipes include raisins, currants, or sultanas, which are highly toxic. Even a small amount can lead to serious health issues, including kidney failure. The tricky part is that symptoms aren’t always immediate, so it can be easy to underestimate the risk.

Top tip:Keep hot cross buns stored out of reach, and let guests know not to share.

Foil wrappers

Those colourful foil wrappers might seem harmless, but they can quickly become a problem if swallowed.

Foil can:

• Cause choking

• Lead to digestive blockages

• Be difficult to pass naturally

And because it often smells like chocolate, dogs are more tempted to eat it.

Top tip:Clear away wrappers straight after unwrapping, and make sure bins are secure (especially if your dog is a known scavenger).

Ribbons & packaging

Easter gifts often come with decorative ribbons, string, or shredded paper and these can be surprisingly dangerous.

If ingested, ribbon-like materials can cause intestinal blockages.

Top tip:Keep gift-opening tidy and dispose of packaging promptly.

Roast dinner leftovers

Easter Sunday often means a big roast, and while it’s tempting to treat your dog to leftovers, many common ingredients can cause issues.

Things to watch out for:

• Cooked bones – can splinter and damage the digestive tract

• Fatty cuts of meat – may lead aggravate the stomach and lead to sickness & diarrhoea

• Onion or garlic (in stuffing and gravy) – toxic to dogs

• Rich, seasoned foods – can upset sensitive stomachs

Top tip:Stick to their usual meals. If you want to include them, offer a small portion of something dog-safe (plain cooked veg like carrots can be a good option).

Spring flower bulbs

Spring gardens might be bursting with colour, but some of those beautiful blooms can pose a risk to curious dogs..

Bulbs from plants like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are toxic to dogs if eaten. Because they’re buried, they can be especially tempting for dogs who love a good dig.

If ingested, they may cause:

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• Lethargy

• Gastrointestinal upset

Top tip:Keep a close eye on dogs near planted areas and consider covering or fencing off flower beds to prevent any sneaky digging.

How to Make Easter Fun for Your Dog

Now that the serious stuff is covered, let’s talk about how to include your dog in the celebrations, because they deserve some Easter joy too.

Create a dog-friendly Easter egg hunt

Why should humans have all the fun? A dog-friendly Easter hunt is a brilliant way to engage your dog’s natural instincts while keeping things safe.

You can make it as simple or as creative as you like:

• Scatter their favourite treats or kibble around the garden

• Use puzzle toys or enrichment feeders for an extra challenge

• Try dog-safe “chocolate” alternatives made especially for pets

Not only is this fun, but it’s also fantastic mental stimulation, which can be just as tiring as physical exercise.

Head out for a long spring walk

Easter often brings a bit more free time, making it the perfect excuse to head out on a proper adventure with your dog.

Exercise plays a big role in reducing unwanted behaviours at home. When dogs have excess energy, they’re far more likely to channel it into things like scavenging, counter surfing, or sniffing out hidden chocolate eggs. A good walk, especially one that allows plenty of sniffing and exploring, helps burn that energy off and keeps their brain engaged.

A well-exercised dog is far more likely to settle down and snooze through the excitement, rather than getting under everyone’s feet or going on a hunt for Easter treats of their own.

Make dog-friendly Easter treats

Making simple, dog-safe treats can be a great activity for the whole family, especially if little ones want to get involved.

Dog-safe ingredients to use:

• Peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)

• Banana

• Oats

• Pumpkin

You can even shape them into Easter-themed biscuits for an extra festive touch.

Give them their own Easter gift

Giving your dog something of their own can be a great distraction.It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just something they’ll enjoy, such as:

• A new toy to explore

• A long-lasting chew

• A stuffed enrichment toy to keep them busy

Build in some calm time

With visitors, noise, and excitement, Easter can be a lot for some dogs.

Make sure they have:

• A quiet space to retreat to

• Access to fresh water

• Time to relax away from the action

A happy (and safe) Easter for everyone

Easter is all about enjoying time together. And with a bit of planning, your dog can be part of all of it safely.

By keeping potential hazards out of reach and swapping in some dog-friendly alternatives, you can avoid any unwanted trips to the vet and focus on making happy memories instead.