Hot cross buns! one a penny, two a penny ……. and your dog

The Danger of Feeding your Dog a Hot Cross Bun!

Depositphotos_42696331_l-2015 Hot cross buns! one a penny, two a penny  ....... and your dog

Dog owners are advised not to give their dogs Hot Cross Buns this Eastertime, as this popular snack could poison them. This very dangerous treat contains toxic ingredients for our pets, such as nutmeg spice, lemon zest, sultanas and raisins.

Easter is one of the busiest periods for Veterinary services after Christmas, mainly due to the large amounts of hidden dangers in foods your pets eat.

Most owners understand the risks and consequences of our loved dogs eating chocolate and especially Easter Eggs at this time of the year, but were you aware that a treat of a Hot Cross bun can cause serious health issues?

Health problems

Currants, sultanas, and raisins – including fresh grapes, are a definite no-go! Although no conclusive evidence has been produced to date, it’s understood that Mycotoxin is made by mould, found in grapes and is quite toxic if eaten by dogs.

Sultanas appear even more toxic than fresh grapes due to their concentration of this product when the fruit is dried.

Symptoms can cause gastric upsets with salivation, diarrhoea and severe vomiting, a possibility of fitting and increased heart rate, tremors and excessive itching, with more severe consequences of kidney failure. Look out for symptoms of decreased urination, increased signs of thirst, and your dog appearing dull and under the weather.

What Quantity of Hot Cross Buns?

Each bun probably has around 20 raisins inside, which may not seem like much, but considering research has shown that it only takes a few grams to bring on severe toxicity, it’s vitally important that at Easter, you keep your Hot Cross buns well away from your pets.

It’s unclear precisely what causes the toxic effects, but just one sultana, raisin or current can be toxic, so real caution should be taken with foods containing them.

Prompt treatment is required if your dog eats hot cross buns.

Dog owners who suspect their pet has eaten dried fruit or grapes should not wait for any symptoms or signs to appear before contacting the veterinarian immediately. Treatment must be administered immediately before the fruit’s toxins can be digested. Your Vet will possibly induce vomiting and probably prescribe charcoal tablets. However, if symptoms have developed, your dog may need to be placed on a drip and monitored at the surgery. As a rule, symptoms will begin to display between 6 to 24 hours after the dog has eaten any dried fruits. However, in some cases, the problems might not take effect for several days, so kidney failure is a real issue in more severe cases.

Enjoy Easter time with your dog.

Don’t think you’re kind by sharing your Hot Cross buns or chocolate Easter Eggs with your pet. It’s not worth the risk of losing them– instead, treat them to a pet-friendly alternative they will enjoy just as much. Otherwise, you might be in line for a costly Easter holiday.

You may also be interested in our Spring Dangers article.