As Easter approaches, many Aussies look forward to indulging in the seasonal delights that come with the holiday.

Hot cross buns, with their sweet, spiced aroma, are a staple in many Australian households during this festive period.

However, while we can enjoy these treats without a second thought, there's danger lurking within these buns that pet owners must be aware of.

While they may seem innocuous, hot cross buns could be as lethal to our furry friends as chocolate.

Yes—the same Easter treat that we often enjoy with a cup of tea could potentially cause death in pets.

Kennel Store, a company specialising in dogs' wellbeing, expressed their concern that 'many people are completely unaware' of other food products that may be harmful to pets.

Dogs and cats may be sensitive to certain food products and scents. Image Credit: Pexels/Nadia Vasil'eva

While many pet owners are vigilant about keeping chocolate out of reach from their pets, understanding the full spectrum of dangerous foods is crucial.

The danger lies in the dried fruits commonly found in hot cross buns, such as raisins, sultanas, and currants.

These fruits are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Even in small amounts, compounds like tartaric acid found in these dried fruits could cause kidney damage.

These could lead to severe reactions, including kidney failure or death.

The onset of symptoms after a dog ingests grapes or raisins could vary, but they appear within hours of consumption.

'In some cases, symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea can show up within six to twelve hours, but sometimes these symptoms can be delayed for up to one or two days,' a spokesperson from Kennel Store explained.

Another cause for concern is that these fruit's effects differ per dog.

Some dogs may experience a severe reaction, while others may not react at all.

In addition to the potential toxicity of dried fruit, hot cross buns may also contain other harmful ingredients.

These ingredients include cinnamon and nutmeg—spices which could be harmful to pets in varying degrees.

Cinnamon and nutmeg can cause gastrointestinal issues and lethargy.

Extreme cases may also lead to organ damage.

The severity of the reaction to grape poisoning varies between dogs, with some breeds being more susceptible than others.

Similarly, raisins and grapes are toxic to cats.

Ingesting small amounts of grapes could cause symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea.

See the list of dangerous food products for pets in one of our previous articles.

With this in mind, it's vital to monitor your pet closely.

Let's keep the hot cross buns and chocolate treats to ourselves and opt for pet-safe alternatives when spoiling your furry friends.

If you believe they have eaten any grapes or dried fruit, take them to the vet immediately.

As responsible pet owners, we must ensure the safety of our beloved companions.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are being warned about the dangers of feeding pets hot cross buns, which are highly toxic to dogs and cats.
• Ingestion of dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, and currants found in hot cross buns can lead to kidney damage or even death.
• Symptoms of toxicity from these fruits can appear quickly, with some pets showing signs of illness within six to twelve hours.
• Hot cross buns may also contain other harmful ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate, each posing different health risks to pets.

We at the 'Seniors Discount Club' urge you to spread the word to fellow pet owners about the dangers of these Easter treats. If you have any concerns or stories to share about pet safety, please reach out to us in the comments below or email our newsroom. Let's keep our pets safe and enjoy a happy, healthy Easter together.

 

[Liz]

Also pizzas can cause severe damage and lead to pancreatitis in animals. I was at the emergency vets with my cat for an ear infection and a man came along with his two little dogs who had consumed a bit of his pizzas. They had to have their stomachs pumped and he was told things like cheese and other meats that are on pizzas can lead to pancreatitis such as ham etc. The man was lucky but had a very expensive vet bill.

 

[Danielle F.]

Also pizzas can cause severe damage and lead to pancreatitis in animals. I was at the emergency vets with my cat for an ear infection and a man came along with his two little dogs who had consumed a bit of his pizzas. They had to have their stomachs pumped and he was told things like cheese and other meats that are on pizzas can lead to pancreatitis such as ham etc. The man was lucky but had a very expensive vet bill.

That's true as well! Processed and cured meats are hazardous for pets