Forget the chocolate – there are plenty of other ways to spoil your pup over the Easter holidays.
From DIY dog treats to dog-friendly treasure hunts, your dog can be included in all of the fun!
So let’s get cracking on all the ways you can celebrate Easter with your dog.
1. Create a treasure hunt
Adults and kids alike may love searching for Easter eggs.
But for the best sniffer in your family? Don't let them miss out on their very own 'Easter egg' hunt.
Scatter all sorts of dog treats throughout your yard and let them put their nose to work. Choose between natural treats, biscuits, dental treats, or bones – or scatter a combination!
You could also opt for healthy human food that dogs can eat. Our top suggestion? Chop up bits of carrot to use as the prizes! They’re full of fibre, vitamin C and potassium, but more importantly, most dogs love them.
If you are also hosting a treasure hunt for humans, make sure that your dog’s hunt is done well before or well after it, so that there’s no risk of your dog ingesting the chocolate meant for humans! (Or children ingesting dog treats.)
2. Go on an Easter adventure
Australia has an abundance of outdoor spaces and fun places to hang out with your pup. And the Easter long weekend is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with them.
For day trips, pack up the car and check out one of these dog-friendly parks, beaches or hiking trails.
Or if you’re ready to spend a night (or two!) under the stars, check out our guide to dog-friendly camping spots across Australia!
Because sometimes, the best Easter treat you can give your pet is simply your time.
3. Turn their festive meal into a challenge
With all the holiday chaos, it’s easy for your dog to feel left out or bored while you're running around preparing.
Interactive toys, slow feeders and enrichment activities are a great way to keep your dog engaged and busy through the hustle and bustle of the celebratory season.
Consider a lick mat; you can spread a range of food across it, from peanut butter to yogurt. And if the weather is warm, you can freeze the mat to keep your dog entertained for even longer!
Snuffle mats or snuffle balls are easy tools to hide treats and food for your pet to search through.
It encourages natural foraging behaviour, slows down their mealtime and best of all, keeps them entertained!
4. Build a pet-approved Easter basket
What dog wouldn’t love waking up to a basket full of their favourite toys and treats?!
To take the guesswork and planning out of it, here’s a quick guide of products to include in a basket for your dog:
Delicious treats:
- Billie’s Bowl Aussie Kangaroo Straps
- Huds & Toke Mixed Cookie Dog Treats Gift Pack
- Pooch Treats Cake Pops
- Black Dog Mixed Yogurt Drops Dog Treats
- Prime100 Spt Turkey Fillet Dog Treats
Easter-themed toys:
- Cuddles Squeaky Plush Rabbit Dog Toy
- Buddy & Belle Comfort Me Bunny Dog Toy
- Lexi & Me Bunny Plush Fetch Dog Toy
Accessories:
- Find them a cute bandana, jumper, shirt or bowtie in bright colours.
- Upgrade their collar to a new pastel or festive colour.
5. Make DIY Easter dog treats
Just because your dog can’t eat human chocolate doesn’t mean they can’t have sweet treats of their own! You can mix and match dog-safe human foods like carob, peanut butter (xylitol-free), banana, blueberries, carrot, pumpkin and yogurt to create delicious treats.
Here are a few of our favourite recipes. Remember that these treats should only be given on occasion and in moderation – they’re definitely not meals to serve every day!
Dog-Friendly Recipes
Remember to always avoid other toxic food for dogs like raisins, sultanas, onions, nuts, milk and avocado. Also, look out for foods or products that may contain xylitol – a sugar substitute found in many baked goods, candy, sauces and even plenty of peanut butter products. So always read the labels of any products you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions on Easter Dog Treats
What to do if my dog has eaten chocolate?
If you think your dog may have eaten chocolate, or something else that is toxic or poisonous, call your vet immediately.
You should let them know what your dog has been exposed to, when the incident occurred, and if any symptoms (drooling, vomiting, tremors and diarrhea) are present.
Your vet will be the best person to advise you on the right course of action to treat your dog.
Is carob safe for dogs?
Yes, carob is a safe for dogs, and a popular chocolate alternative. It even has health benefits for your dog, because carob is high in antioxidants, fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.
However, while carob is non-toxic to dogs, make sure to always read the label of store-bought carob dog treats.
And don’t go too over the top. Just because it’s not toxic for dogs doesn’t mean they should be eating huge amounts of carob – it could cause digestive issues.
Where can I take my dog to travel over Easter?
That depends on how much time you have and what kind of adventure you’re after. If you want a longer getaway, consider a dog-friendly camping trip where you can relax by the fire and explore the outdoors together.
For something shorter, head out on a scenic hike or take your dog to a local park for a picnic. Whether it’s a road trip, a nature walk, or just a day out in the fresh air, there are plenty of ways to make Easter a fun break for both you and your dog.