Easter goodies have gotten trickier over the years, and some new dangers have popped up. Here’s what to keep away from your curious Chi:

• Sugar-Free Candy & Gum: These often contain xylitol, also called Birch sugar, which is  a sweetener that’s super toxic to dogs—even a tiny bit can cause liver failure or death. Check those ingredient labels!
• Hot Cross Buns & Raisin Treats: Raisins (and grapes) can cause kidney failure in dogs, and nutmeg (found in some baked goods) can mess with their nervous system.
• Easter Basket Grass: That colorful plastic grass looks fun, but if your dog eats it, it can twist up in their tummy and cause a serious blockage. Shredded paper is a safer alternative.
• Essential Oils in Decor: Some Easter crafts use oils like tea tree, citrus, or eucalyptus—all of which can be harmful if your pup licks or inhales too much.

Chocolate: Still Enemy #1

We all know chocolate is bad for dogs, but let’s break it down:

• Dark chocolate & baking chocolate = most dangerous (thanks to high theobromine content).
• Milk chocolate = still risky, especially for tiny Chis.
• White chocolate = not toxic, but the crazy amount of fat and sugar can lead to pancreatitis (aka a very unhappy pup).

If your dog snags any chocolate, call your vet or Pet Poison Control (888-426-4435) ASAP!

Toxic Spring Flowers and Plants

Those pretty Easter bouquets? Some are seriously poisonous:

• Lilies = deadly for cats, but still irritate dogs’ mouths and tummies.
• Daffodils (especially the bulbs) = vomiting, diarrhea, even heart issues.
• Tulips & Hyacinths = can cause drooling and upset stomachs.
• Easter grass (fake or real) = a choking or blockage hazard.

When in doubt, keep flowers up high or go for pet-safe silk arrangements.

Easter Dinner Leftovers = Trouble

That delicious holiday ham? Not for your Chi! Watch out for:

• Cooked bones (they splinter and can puncture intestines).
• Fatty foods (ham, gravy, butter—can trigger painful pancreatitis).
• Onions & garlic (hidden in scalloped potatoes, stuffing, etc.—toxic to dogs!).

Stick to dog-safe treats instead (carrots, green beans, or a special Easter-themed pup snack).

Egg Hunt Risks (For Dogs Too!)

• Real eggs: If hidden outside, your dog might find (and eat) a rotten one—hello, salmonella!
• Plastic eggs: If chewed, sharp pieces can cause cuts or blockages.
• Egg Dyes: Dogs can see some bright colors, and while children are dyeing eggs, parents should make sure that pets don’t try to lick from a bowl of water that contains any dyes. Keep the containers of dyes along with the items used for dyeing eggs away from all of the pets in a home.

Keep an eye on your pup during egg hunts, or better yet, set up a dog-friendly egg hunt with treats or toys inside!

How to Have a Dog-Safe Easter

• Make a pet-safe Easter basket (fill it with chew toys, dental treats, or a new snuggle toy instead of candy).
• Keep trash secured—dogs are master dumpster divers when yummy smells are involved.
• Know your emergency vet’s holiday hours—many close early, so have a backup plan.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Bad

• Call your vet or Pet Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.
• Save packaging (so you can check ingredients).
• Watch for symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, or acting weird.

Other Dangers to Pets

Gardening Supplies

Homeowners who are planting a garden may have an assortment of fertilizers and pesticides for the soil and plants. While having a pet playing nearby may seem fun while you are working on flower beds or a garden, your dog can ingest a poison in only a few seconds, and some of the chemicals in gardening supplies will kill a pet in only a few minutes.

Cocoa shell mulch is something else to keep away from pets. It’s highly toxic to them.

Pine needle mulch can be harmful, too if your dog swallows it.

Vehicle Traffic

One of the most common dangers for our pets during Easter is the additional traffic from visiting friends and family.

Pet owners may need to keep their pup in a carrier, playpen or attached to a leash to keep her safe, It is also important to remember that guests will open and close a home’s door repeatedly, and a pet may run away into the street outside where it could be hit by a car.

Prepare for Emergencies

It is easier to keep our pets safe from the dangers of decorations and foods during the holidays rather than coping with an emergency. However, a pet owner should prepare ahead of time by having their veterinarian’s telephone number and the pet poison control number ready on your smartphone along with the address of a nearby animal hospital.

Final Thought: Easter should be fun—not a trip to the emergency vet! With a little extra caution, you and your Chi can enjoy a happy, safe holiday. 🐣🐾

Updated April 2025 – Because your pup’s safety is always in style!

Now for some lighter fare, check out some cute Easter chihuahuas in our Easter Chihuahua Gallery.