Easter Egg Hunts for Dogs: How to Make It Fun and Safe

Easter isn’t just for kids, or for adults who love the nostalgia of an Easter egg hunt. If you are a pup parent—whether or not you have human children too—don’t miss out on the excitement of an Easter egg hunt with pets!

The team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates has a few tips for setting up a pet-friendly Easter experience your dogs will love. 

How to Do an Easter Egg Hunt with Pets

Planning an Easter egg hunt with pets is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it in a way that’s fun and safe for your dog. 

(A quick note: if you do have kids, we recommend creating two separate Easter egg hunts for safety. The kids get the plastic eggs and chocolate. Once all of those treats are found, you can set up a hunt with Easter pet safety in mind and unleash the pups!)

1. Pick Dog-Safe “Easter Eggs”

Plastic eggs are a no-go for dogs. They might try to chew them, turning the plastic into dangerous shards that can wreak havoc in your dog’s intestines. Instead, use hollow rubber toys or just hide your pet’s favorite treats in spots that are easy to sniff out.

2. Choose a Safe Area for the Hunt

Whether you’re doing the hunt indoors or in the yard, make sure the area is free of anything that could be harmful to your pet. Clear the area of any leftover human Easter treats including wrappers, plastic eggs, and candy.

3. Use Scented Treats

Since dogs interpret the world through smell, pick food-based treats with a delicious aroma. Things like small pieces of cheese, cooked chicken, or your pup’s favorite dog biscuits make the hunt extra exciting—and tasty.

4. Help Them Get Started

Some dogs might need a little encouragement to start their search for Easter “eggs.” It’s your job to show them where to start. Give them lots of praise when they find a treat, and provide helpful clues (like standing near favorite treats) to help them if needed.  

Keeping Easter Pet Safety Front and Center

While Easter celebrations are lots of fun, pet holiday safety is paramount. Here are a few Easter safety tips to keep in mind:

• No Chocolate or Candy! Chocolate and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to dogs. Make sure you keep all human treats out of reach.
• Skip the Plastic Decorations. Easter grass, plastic eggs, and small decorations can be a choking hazard to your pet. If you’re having an Easter party, clear the Easter egg hunt area of any plastic decorations before you begin. 
• Always Supervise the Hunt. Even with safe treats, it’s important to keep an eye on your pup to make sure he doesn’t eat something he shouldn’t. Despite your best efforts, there could be a stray plastic egg somewhere in the grass. You never know!

If you want to prep your pet for Easter with a wellness visit and updates on vaccines and pest preventives, reach out to our team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates. Call us at (248) 646-5655 to set up an appointment!