Local Dogs Trust warn pet owners to keep a close eye on their dogs this Easter

"Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, so owners should ensure they keep it out of reach of their four-legged friends."

Dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust has shared advice to pet owners about how to have a dog-friendly Easter.

With many people stocking up on Easter eggs and chocolate, they are reminding owners that human chocolate should not be fed to dogs.

Dogs Trust want people to keep a close eye on their dogs whilst out walking, to avoid them eating discarded food that is potentially harmful.

Listen to Beckie Wheldon, a canine behaviour officer, here

To keep your dog safe during Easter the charity advises: 

• Never give your pooch any human chocolate as a treat. Ensure that children and visitors understand why and do not give any to dogs.
• Make sure that bins are dog-proof to prevent them from scavenging through the rubbish.
• Never leave any chocolate unsupervised, such as cakes cooling on worktop surfaces.
• Teach your dog to move away from something when you ask them to leave it. 
• Keep a close eye on your dog whilst out walking, to avoid them scoffing discarded food that is potentially harmful.

Rachel Casey, Director of Canine Behaviour and Research at Dogs Trust, said: “Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, so owners should ensure they keep it out of reach of their four-legged friends. Whilst some chocolate is more toxic than others, any amount is potentially harmful to your dog.”

“If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, we advise owners to contact their vets immediately. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, seizures and potentially kidney and heart failure.” 

Dogs Trust Loughborough's recommended enrichment activities allow dogs to explore whilst keeping them away from harmful temptations.

They have suggested:

• Setting up an Easter hunt for your pooch around the house or garden that includes dog-friendly treats or toys.
• Use empty Easter egg boxes and put some of your dog’s favourite treats or toys inside for them to sniff out. 
• You could also have a go at teaching a figure of eight trick to your dog, using two empty Easter egg boxes.

Rachel Casey, said: “Dog friendly Easter hunts are a great form of entertainment for dogs. Use food or treats from your dog’s daily allowance to make sure they don’t eat too much and hide it in boxes or around the house and garden so they can use their fantastic sense of smell to root it out. You can sit back, enjoy your own treats, and next let your dog explore and sniff around to reward themselves for their hard work. Just remember to keep human treats out the way as these can be harmful for dogs.”

“Dig boxes and teaching your dog the figure of eight are also great ways to theme your family’s canine fun this Easter.

“For all these activities, owners will also need to supervise to make sure their dog is enjoying themselves and to be on hand in case they need any help!”