Pet chocolate poisoning surges, vets issue Easter egg warning

A veterinarian has issued a timely warning ahead of Easter amid a spike in cases of chocolate poisoning in pets.

As many people celebrate Easter this Sunday by exchanging chocolate eggs, veterinarians are reminding dog owners to keep chocolate away from naughty animals.

Ingesting chocolate can cause severe symptoms, including seizures, and in the most severe cases, death.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that most surgeries are closed during public holidays, which can result in higher veterinary bills as owners have to take their animals to out-of-hours clinics.

Dr Mark Boddy, veterinarian at PawSquad, a pet hotline, said: “Last Easter, the number of calls about chocolate ingestion more than doubled during the Easter week. Generally speaking, cases of poisoning and upset stomachs were It can be triple the usual amount during holidays such as Easter, Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

“Being able to speak to a veterinarian quickly is critical in these situations, especially if the veterinarian may be closed.”

The helpline, which provides a 24/7 service to pet owners, said it received a significant increase in calls over Easter 2023.

The company said requests about toxicity had nearly tripled compared with the previous week, with calls specifically involving chocolate boxes more than doubling.

There are also reports of an increase in gastrointestinal problems in pets during the bank holidays, with families enjoying more tempting treats.

Insurer Admiral received claims after a cocker spaniel accidentally ate a chocolate bar from its wrapper and a puppy accidentally ate a 150g bar of chocolate (the equivalent of a whole Terry’s Chocolate Orange).

While most pet owners know that chocolate is toxic to their furry friends, there are many other foods that can cause serious problems.

Contrary to popular belief, cooked bones can pose a choking hazard to dogs. Nuts, especially macadamia nuts, are also dangerous to cats and dogs.

The grapes and raisins in hot cross buns are highly toxic to dogs.

What should you do if you think your animal has eaten chocolate? Dr. Mark Bodie offers his advice to pet owners.

Assess the situation

First, assess the amount and type of chocolate ingested and contact your veterinarian immediately. Dark chocolate and cocoa contain higher levels of theobromine, which is toxic to pets. The smaller the pet, the more dangerous even small amounts can be.

Keep an eye on your pet

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, restlessness or shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate. If your pet develops serious symptoms such as seizures or loss of consciousness, see an emergency veterinarian immediately.

Make sure your pet stays hydrated

If your pet is stable, offer water, but avoid using home remedies to induce vomiting without your veterinarian’s guidance.

Talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible

They will ask about the type of chocolate you are consuming and the size of your pet, so follow their instructions for the next step.