Easter time! An exciting yearly holiday full of chocolates and sweet treats. As a pet parent we want to make sure our babies are in on the action however it’s essential to understand the potential danger of the day for dogs.

Unfortunately, chocolate is poisonous to dogs and other pets. Over Easter make sure you put easter eggs, chocolate bars and even hot cross buns in high places and don’t offer them to your pet. If you’re going on an egg hunt, make sure your pet is away in a safe place and unable to dig up any hidden goodies!

Chocolate contains a toxic chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Dog’s bodies can’t break this chemical down like humans can and while rarely fatal, it can cause serious illness. Theobromine affects a dog’s gut, heart, central nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning includes vomiting (possibly blood), tremors, seizures, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, muscle tension, restlessness, hyperactivity, coordination loss and increased heart rate. The severity of illness often depends on the amount of chocolate eaten. Dark chocolate is typically more dangerous due to a higher concentration of theobromine.

If your dog does consume chocolate you need to contact your nearest vet, right away. Chocolate should be removed from their system immediately. We recommend never trying to induce vomiting at home without supervision. What you can do, is note down your dog’s weight, the type of chocolate they ate and the amount before going to the vet. It helps to take the wrapper with you. Your vet will do a quick examination and determine the right course of action to get your dog back on the mend.

Easter doesn’t have to be a ruff time for dogs! Many dog treats use carob as a chocolate substitute. Another way to surprise your pet on Easter morning is with treats they already know and love, in an Easter basket or on an egg hunt! Our real meat treats are the perfect basket filler – better hop to it!

For further details please also refer to the below websites.
https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dog-eaten-chocolate/
https://www.australiandoglover.com/2018/03/keep-your-dogs-safe-this-easter.html
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs