28/03/2024
🍫Chocolate: Easter Eggs
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which can cause some concerning signs in our dogs, if ingested in high concentration it can be very serious.
The severity depends on type of chocolate and size of dog so its always best to keep chocolate treats out of our dogs reach.
Remember that dogs can quickly snaffle an Easter chocolates during Easter egg hunts!
Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity usually occurs 6–12 hours after ingestion, so we need prompt response after a patient has snaffled those snacks!
Initial signs may include:
🍫Polydipsia (drinking lots)
🍫Vomiting
🍫Diarrhoea
🍫Abdominal distention
🍫Restlessness
Worryingly, if left too long signs may progress to more severe symptoms.
🍫Hyperactivity
🍫Polyuria (excessive urination)
🍫Ataxia (wobbly)
🍫Rigidity or tremorsand seizures.
Devastatigly in severe ingestion cases we can see:
🍫Tachycardia/bradycardia (worryingly fast or slow heart rate), tachypneoa (fast breathing) cyanosis, hypertension/hypotension (high or low blood pressure), hyperthermia (high body temperature) or coma!
If your pet has managed to get hold of a chocolate treat then call your veterinary practice immediately. If treatment is required, the quicker we can start it, the better.
Treatment may include:
✅ Inducing emesis (vomiting)
✅ Activated charcoal
✅ Supportive therapy for any clinical signs
