14/04/2022
WARNING: CHOCOLATE CAN KILL DOGS. If you have Easter eggs this weekend keep them well away from dogs and definitely don’t give them a treat when you are eating one. In a survey, 60% of vets said they had treated cases of chocolate poisoning over Easter each year. The British Veterinary Association say: “Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be dangerous for all pets even in the smallest quantity. However, dogs are particularly susceptible to poisoning due to a chemical called theobromine, which is found naturally in cocoa beans. Theobromine takes a long time to be broken down inside a dog's digestive system, which means that even a tiny amount of chocolate can result in toxic levels, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. For this reason, white chocolate is usually safe for dogs if ingested accidentally but the effects with milk chocolate can vary, so it's better to err on the side of caution and keep all types of chocolate away.
Raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes, and xylitol (found in sugar-free treats) can also be dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness. These can develop into symptoms of hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. Severe cases may result in fits and heartbeat irregularities, and even coma and death.
Pictured: Handsome Rollo is a resident of the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. Fans of Rollo can rest assured that he has not had any chocolate!