Easter is a time for cherished moments and memories with loved ones—furry ones included. But while we’re busy unwrapping chocolate eggs and planning Easter egg hunts, some of our favourite traditions can pose serious risks to our pets. 

For curious canines, Easter festivities come with hidden dangers. PetSure data shows a spike in chocolate toxicity claims over the Easter period, with dogs often sniffing out hidden eggs. Ingesting chocolate or raisins from a hot cross bun can lead to serious health emergencies. With the average chocolate toxicity claim costing over $500 in 2024, and the highest claim reaching more than $7,000*, it’s important to stay informed. So how can pet parents keep their pets’ tails wagging and trouble at bay this Easter? Let’s dive into the facts and explore practical ways to include our pets safely in the seasonal celebrations. 

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and how much is dangerous? 

Chocolate contains two ingredients that are highly toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. While humans process these compounds relatively quickly, dogs metabolise them far more slowly, which can lead to a dangerous build-up in their system. 

The level of risk depends on the type of chocolate, the amount eaten, and the size of the dog. Dark and baking chocolate contains the highest concentrations of theobromine, making them particularly dangerous. Milk chocolate is less potent but still a risk, especially in larger amounts. White chocolate contains very little theobromine, but it’s still not considered pet-safe due to its high fat and sugar content**. 

What happens when dogs eat chocolate? 

The effects of chocolate ingestion can vary from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. Early signs typically include vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst, but symptoms can escalate to hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in the most severe cases, coma or death. 

Symptoms can begin within just a few hours of ingestion, but depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed, they can last for several days. Because of this, the sooner your pet receives veterinary care, the better their chances of a full recovery. 

What should you do if your dog eats chocolate? 

If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet immediately. Try to provide as much information as possible, including what type of chocolate your dog ate, how much they may have ingested, and your dog’s size and breed. This helps your vet assess the level of risk and determine whether emergency treatment is needed. 

If you’re unsure where your nearest clinic is, the GapOnly® vet finder tool can help you locate one quickly. If you’re away from home or it’s outside normal hours, VetChat™ offers 24/7 online access to registered vets for advice, support and triage (VetChat™ is available on GapOnly® pet insurance policies). 

Planning an Easter egg hunt? Here’s what to keep in mind if you have dogs 

Easter egg hunts can be a hidden hazard for our furry friends. With their extraordinary sense of smell, dogs can often sniff out chocolate eggs before the kids do.  

To keep everyone safe, keep your dog in a secure area while the eggs are being hidden and found—whether that’s inside the house or in a part of the yard away from the action. Chocolate should be kept out of reach until the hunt begins, and it’s worth taking a photo or jotting down where you’ve hidden each egg, so none are forgotten. Don’t forget that many Easter eggs are wrapped in foil—something dogs certainly won’t unwrap first. Ingested foil can cause internal blockages or damage, compounding the health risk. 

Children, of course, love to share—and they may not know that giving the dog a bite of their Easter treat could do real harm. Close supervision is important over the holidays. 

How to throw a dog-safe Easter egg hunt 

The good news? Your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the fun.  

Swap chocolate for dog-safe treats and scatter them in safe, accessible spots around the yard. You can even hide treats in puzzle toys like a Kong or use enrichment games to turn the hunt into a rewarding mental challenge. Just be sure to supervise your dog closely so they don’t accidentally chew on plastic eggs or swallow something they shouldn’t.  

If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, seek veterinary advice immediately. 

*PetSure. 2024. Internal Claims Data – Easter Toxicity Trends. 

**PetSure, 2023 

Sources 

PetSure. 2024. Internal Claims Data – Easter Toxicity Trends. 

PetSure. 2023. Chocolate toxicity in dogs. [online] Available at: https://petsure.com.au/knowledge-hub/chocolate-toxicity-in-dogs. 
 
PetSure. 2023. Chocolate: Delicious for us, toxic for pets. [online] Available at: https://petsure.com.au/knowledge-hub/chocolate-delicious-for-us-toxic-for-pets.  

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