28/03/2024
Easter time is always a good reason to have extra chocolate in the house & who could resist the good old Hot Cross Bun... But.... please remember that these can make your dog and/or cat extremely ill & in severe cases can cause death.
Seek immediate veterinary treatment or advice if they have ingested any chocolate or Hot Cross Buns.
Chocolate is in abundance this time of year – but this could be dangerous for your dog!
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which can be harmful to dogs if ingested - the darker the chocolate (ie. 99% cocoa), the more toxic. Whilst white chocolate does not contain these substances, it can still cause tummy upset from the fat and sugar.
The symptoms of toxicity from chocolate are:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hyperactivity
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Racing heart rhythm progressing to abnormal rhythms
• Death in severe cases
If your dog has eaten chocolate, it is important to contact (us/the emergency centre) straight away, with information on hand about the type of chocolate and the amount consumed. If your dog has eaten a toxic dose, they may need treatment to get the chocolate out of their system!
Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are a plenty this time of year – but this could be dangerous for your dog!
Grapes, sultanas and raisins – like those found in Hot Cross Buns - can be toxic to Dogs & Cats. Any ingestion of these could result in a life-threatening emergency!
Signs of toxicity include:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Difficulty standing and walking
• Pain in the abdomen
• Changes in normal urination
Prompt treatment as soon as you realise your dog has eaten grapes, sultanas or raisins is critical. Contact (us/the emergency centre) straight away for advice. They may need treatment to get the bun out of their system, and possibly medication to support the kidneys and pancreas which can be severely impacted by these foods!