Easter fun fur all the family
★ IT’S almost time for the Easter Bunny to make a visit and our furry friends don’t have to miss out on the fun this weekend.
★ Here Star Paws columnist CATHERINE LAMB shares some egg-cellent ideas the whole family can enjoy together…
THINGS TO DO
Here are some fun ways to make this Easter egg-stra special for your furry friend…
● Explore a different walk: Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a walk in the woodlands, it’s a great chance to breathe in the fresh spring air and enjoy family time with your pooch. ● Visit somewhere new: Take a trip to a National Trust site or visit an English Heritage one. Many are welcoming of our dogs and it will make for a great day out for the whole family.
● Pack a picnic: If the weather is good, why not dig out a blanket and hamper and enjoy some al fresco dining with your dog.
● Arrange a visit from the Easter bunny: Pets At Home sells a wide range of pet-safe eggs for all our furry friends, from kittens to guinea pigs.
● Enjoy an Easter brunch: There’s nothing like a roast on Easter Sunday and your pooch can enjoy some of your tasty meal too. Just make sure to avoid giving them unsafe foods, such as stuffing, gravy and bones.
● Go on a trip: The four-day weekend is the perfect opportunity to get away from the stress of daily life and enjoy a break in new surroundings.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Our canine companions love to sniff out treats and treasures, so don’t leave them out of the fun this Easter.
While hiding chocolate is not a good idea when pets are around, you can set up a dog-safe version of an egg hunt that will provide lots of enrichment and excitement.
Here, National Dog Training Lead for Guide Dogs, Hannah Wright, shares her top tips for creating a pup-friendly Easter egg hunt at home…
● Start by teaching your dog the simple “find it” cue. Hide a single treat under a cushion or plastic cup, and then encourage them to find it. Make sure to praise your pooch when they locate the treat.
● Slowly build up to hiding more treats or toys in different places and make it more difficult for your pet by having them in the next room while you set up.
● If you’re doing the Easter egg hunt outside, remember to check that your garden has dog-safe plants, as daffodils and other spring flowers are toxic to pups.
IF you’re thinking of treating your dog this Easter, why not bake them something special? Here are some recipes to help you get started…
EASTER DOG TREATS
These easy-to-make biscuits from Forth glade require just a handful of ingredients and are packed with nutritional goodness for your four-legged friend.
Method:
● Preheat the oven to 180C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
● Add 100g finely grated carrot, 100g unsweetened apple puree, 100g whole jumbo oats and 100g plain white flour into a bowl.
● Mix all the ingredients together.
● Scoop out bite-sized pieces and roll into loose balls. Gently flatten the pieces into circles so they are around 5mm thick.
● Place on baking paper and bake for 25 minutes, or until they are a golden brown colour.
● Once cool, let your pooch enjoy.
PEANUT BUTTER EASTER EGG FROSTIES
These tasty treats from The Kennel Club are a great alternative to the traditional carob Easter eggs.
Method:
● Put 50g of xylitol-free peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 60 seconds until melted.
● Add 85g Greek yoghurt to the bowl and mix well.
● Roughly chop 65g blueberries and stir in.
● Put the mixture in Easter egg moulds or an ice cube tray and freeze for at least four hours.
● When it’s treat time, pop one out and give it to your pooch.