Spring is here! The flowers like daffodils, tulips and bluebells have bloomed and the grass is green and fresh. Animals like baby bunnies have come out of hibernation and love to go for a sprawl in our backyards. Concurrently, Easter, the first religious festival which falls in the season of spring is right around the corner. You can luckily involve your furry friend too in the festive celebrations as you gather around family and friends to spread the joy.
Dogs have been said to be a part of a significant event of the resurrection of Jesus and many other folklore associated with Easter. Pet owners these days, involve their pets by dressing them up in a bunny costume and including them in unique ways during celebration. However, there may be some uncertain situations, which can be prevented easily.
Here are some precautions to take:
Easter delicacies: There are many food items which are safe for canine consumption but at the same time, there are several ingredients such as chocolates, dried fruits, wines and alcohol etc. which must never be given to your pooch. These may be hidden ingredients in any of the Easter delicacies and unfortunate consumption of which can lead to nausea, seizure, coma or even death. Watch out for toxic substances.
Click here to read more about the 20 toxic foods to never give your pooch
2. Flora: Spring is the beautiful season of blooming colourful flowers. Our naughty and curious pups may ingest or inhale parts of the flower which may be toxic. Keep flowers like crocuses, bluebells, tulips and daffodils out of plain sight of pups. Similarly lilies are toxic to cats. Common signs and symptoms of floral poisoning are – vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, dermatitis etc. Your pet may dig out the bulbs of these flowers too. If you notice any sign of poisoning, immediately take your pet to the veterinarian for the first line of treatment.
3. Small objects: Tiny toys or Easter eggs which have toys inside them may choke your pet if they are left unattended to. The small pieces may also get lodged in the digestive system and may cause disturbances to gut functioning.
However there is no need to feel disappointed,
Here are a list of fun Easter activities to do with your pet:
- Go for an Easter hunt – You can hide your pet’s favourite toys or their treats or pet friendly easter eggs in the vast open lush areas. The sensitive snouts can catch any of the faintest of smells. This will be a very rewarding game for you and your pet.
- Gift them – Though they may be your most precious gift, you can do your part and give them small gifts which may excite them like an interactive toy, puzzle or soft toy.
- Take a stroll – You can take a new route or probably explore a new forest trail with your pet. This will be a new experience for you both and also help in strengthening the bond between you both. You could combine the outdoors with other fun activities like fetch, frisbee, tug of war etc.
- Make an Easter gift basket for your pet – You can curate a lovely and thoughtful gift basket for your pooch. Deck it up with toys, treats, accessories, couture, walk wear or pet cutlery.
- Capture precious moments – You can call a professional pet photographer for a “doggy and me” photoshoot or just plain signature and classy photos of your pet in the moment.
Additionally, keep in mind:
- Keep an eye on your pet when around children
- Remember to feed your pet before your guests arrive for the Easter celebrations
Here are my 5 favourite DIY pet- friendly Easter recipes
Hot-cross buns
Serving size – 8
Ingredients
For the buns:
- Oats flour – 3 ½ cups
- Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp
- Coconut oil – ⅛ cup
- Peanut butter (unsweetened) – ⅛ cup
- Honey/maple syrup – ¼ cup
- Egg – 1
- Lactose free milk – 1 cup
- Dried cranberries – ¼ cup
For the cross:
- Rice flour – ½ cup
- Water – ⅓ cup
For the glaze:
- Honey/maple syrup – ¼ cup
- Hot water – 1 tbsp
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
- Sift the oats flour, cinnamon powder in a large bowl.
- Add in the coconut oil, peanut butter, honey and knead until combined.
- Add in the egg, lactose free milk and dried cranberries to the dough to get a stiff dough.
- Divide the dough into 8 balls, flatten them and place them on the baking tray.
- Mix the rice flour with water to form the glaze. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Use the glaze to decorate the buns. You can decorate paw prints on the buns.
- Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container and serve your pet these hot cross buns.
Feeding guidelines/day:
- Toy and small breeds – ¼ bun
- Medium breeds – ½ bun
- Large breeds – 1 bun
- Giant breeds – 1 ½ buns
Carrot popsicles
Serving size – 4
Ingredients
- Carrots – 100g
- Honey – 1 tbsp
- Water – as required
Instructions:
- Steam the carrots till soft.
- In a blender, add the steamed carrots, honey, water and grind to get a smooth mixture.
- Transfer to popsicle moulds and freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
- De mould and serve your pooch!
Feeding guidelines/day:
Toy and small breeds – ¼ popsicle
Medium breeds – ½ popsicle
Large breeds – 1 popsicle
Giant breeds – 1 ½ popsicle
Carob Easter eggs
Serving size – 5
Ingredients
- Coconut oil – ½ cup
- Unsweetened peanut butter – ½ cup
- Carob powder – ¼ cup
Instructions:
- Take the peanut butter and coconut oil in a steel bowl or microwave safe bowl.
- Prepare a double boiler or use a microwave to melt and combine the peanut butter and coconut oil.
- Once completely melted, add in the carob powder and mix well till smooth.
- Take a clean silicone egg mould and pour the mixture into it.
- Place it in the freezer till it hardens.
- De mould eggs and serve it to your pups.
Feeding guidelines/day:
- Toy and small breeds – ¼ egg
- Medium breeds – ½ egg
- Large breeds – 1 egg
- Giant breeds – 1 ½ eggs
Zucchini patties
Serving size – 8
Ingredients
- Zucchini – 1 no.
- Rice flour – 1 cup
- Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
- Water – to knead
- Coconut oil – 1 tsp
Instructions:
- Take the flour in a bowl, add the turmeric powder and coconut oil and knead lightly.
- Grate a zucchini and add it to the dough. Knead to combine the mixture.
- Take a small amount of the mixture and make patties.
- Preheat an oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the patties until golden brown.
- Serve your pet these hot and delicious patties.
Feeding guidelines/day:
Toy and small breeds – ½ patty
Medium breeds – 1 patty
Large breeds – 1 ½ patties
Giant breeds – 2 patties
Spring flower muffins
Serving size – 5
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour – 1 cup
- Yoghurt – ¾ cup
- Mashed yellow pumpkin – ¼ cup
- Carrots grated – ¼ cup
- Honey – 1 tbsp
- Egg – 1
- Baking powder – ½ tsp
- Baking soda – ½ tsp
- Edible flowers (Marigold or rose) – a handful
Instructions:
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a mixing bowl.
- Add in the wet ingredients and grated carrots.
- Combine to get a lump free mixture.
- Preheat an oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Grease a muffin tin.
- Pour the batter till half full in the muffin moulds.
- Place an edible flower on top of each muffin mould.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let the muffins cool and then de mould them.
- Serve them to your pet.
Feeding guidelines/day:
Toy and small breeds – ½ muffin
Medium breeds – 1 muffin
Large breeds – 1 ½ muffin
Giant breeds – 2 muffin
The recipes we have shared help to bring in the spirit of Easter. However, you know your pet best. Carefully skim through the recipes and choose the right one based on your pets dietary tolerance and preference. Please consult your veterinarian or canine nutritionist in case of any specific queries. Let us have a vibrant and pet friendly Easter this year!
Mayuri,
Clinical Dietitian, Simplyweight
