How to Keep Your Cavalier Safe During Easter
At The Dog Cottage, we absolutely adore Easter. It’s a time for family, sweet treats, long lunches and autumn sunshine here in Australia. But while Easter is magical for us, it can be risky for our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cavaliers are famously food-motivated, curious, and wonderfully social — which means they’re often right in the middle of the action.
Here’s how to keep your precious Cavalier safe, calm and happy this Easter.
1. Easter Foods to Keep Out of Reach
Chocolate (Especially Dark Chocolate)
Chocolate is one of the most common Easter dangers. It contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and cocoa products are especially dangerous.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning:
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Restlessness or hyperactivity
Rapid heart rate
Tremors or seizures
Even small amounts can be harmful for Cavaliers due to their smaller size.
Hot Cross Buns & Raisins
Hot cross buns often contain raisins or sultanas — and grapes/raisins are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
If your Cavalier sneaks even one bun, contact a vet immediately.
Fatty Foods (Lamb, Gravy, Roast Trimmings)
Easter roasts are delicious — but rich, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis, which Cavaliers can be prone to.
Avoid:
Fat trimmings
Gravy
Butter-heavy dishes
Sausages
Fried foods
Stick to their regular, balanced diet.
Bones
Cooked bones (especially lamb bones) splinter easily.
They can cause:
Choking
Internal punctures
Intestinal blockages
Even large Cavaliers are not safe with cooked bones.
2. Easter Flowers & Plants to Watch
Lilies
Some lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and while dogs are less sensitive, they can still suffer gastrointestinal upset. It’s safest to keep lilies completely out of reach.
Other Decorative Plants
Daffodils
Tulips
Chrysanthemums
Bulbs are particularly dangerous if dug up and chewed.
3. Wrappers, Plastic & Decorations
Cavaliers love to investigate anything crinkly.
Be careful with:
Foil chocolate wrappers
Plastic Easter grass
Cellophane wrapping
Small decorative eggs
These can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Always dispose of wrappers immediately and supervise children during egg hunts.
4. Guests, Noise & Stress
Easter often means visitors — and while Cavaliers adore people, too much excitement can be overwhelming.
Why stress matters:
Cavaliers are sensitive and emotionally intuitive.
Loud environments can raise anxiety.
Overhandling (especially by children) can exhaust them.
Create a Safe Retreat
Set up:
A quiet room
Their bed or crate
Fresh water
A favourite toy
Let guests know this is your dog’s “calm zone.”
What To Do If Your Cavalier Eats Something Dangerous
If you suspect your dog has consumed:
Chocolate
Raisins or grapes
Fatty food
Bones
Plastic or wrappers
Toxic plants
Act immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Step 1: Call for Advice Straight Away
Animal Poisons Helpline
Phone: 1300 869 738
24/7 veterinary toxicology advice
Run by specialist veterinary poison experts
A consultation fee may apply
Step 2: Contact Your Nearest Vet or Emergency Hospital
If symptoms appear (vomiting, shaking, lethargy, pain, collapse), go to the nearest emergency vet immediately.
A Gentle Easter Reminder
Cavaliers are affectionate, trusting little souls. They rely entirely on us to keep their world safe.
With a little preparation:
Keep treats out of reach
Secure decorations
Supervise guests
Provide a calm retreat space
You can ensure Easter is joyful — not stressful.
From all of us at The Dog Cottage, we wish you and your beautiful Cavalier a safe, peaceful and chocolate-free Easter.
