It’s a basic fact that dogs and chocolate just don’t mix.
But new data shows that during the Easter period vets see a huge spike of poisoning cases thanks to the consumption of Easter eggs.
The Kennel Club's insurance partner says that April tends to be second highest month for claims for poisoning after the Christmas period with a 54% increase in the number of dogs setting sick on chocolate compared to other times of the year.
Read more: 17 Fabulous dog friendly hotels in NI
Chocolate may look good and smell great, but it is toxic for dogs because it contains two chemicals they cannot process, theobromine and caffeine. Both of these chemicals are used medicinally as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator and a smooth muscle relaxant.
But the problem for dogs is that they just cannot metabolise theobromine or caffeine as well as people can, leaving them much more sensitive to toxic effects.
And while chocolate poisoning is rarely fatal, it can happen.
What is sure is that it has the potential to make dogs feel really poorly and in vulnerable pets such as the old, the young or those with conditions, it can just make matters worse. Plus it will cost a load of cash to thank the vet for the work that needs done to make things right.
Bill Lambert, dog health expert at The Kennel Club, said: “Many families and friends may be celebrating Easter in larger groups this year, no longer needing to restrict numbers, and with more people having dogs than ever before, we want to remind all owners to keep an extra careful eye on them.
“Our dog companions can sniff out even the best hidden chocolate eggs and non-canine friendly confectionaries, as these worrying new statistics show.
“As a society of dog lovers, we naturally want to include our pets as part of the festivities.
“However, to make sure Easter remains happy and safe for everyone, we want to raise awareness among dog owners, new and experienced, of certain elements that pose a particular danger to dogs at this time of year.”
Last Easter, Buddy, a three-year-old Toy Poodle from Hertfordshire, discovered the dangers of chocolate when he got his paws on an Easter egg. Buddy’s owners noticed him being sick and were concerned by its dark brown colour.
After trying to identify what Buddy might have eaten, they soon discovered a half-eaten chocolate egg, with more sweets inside also gone. The family rushed Buddy to the vet while he shook and gagged in the car and Buddy was placed on a drip, kept overnight and monitored the next day.
Fortunately, Buddy did fully recover however the incident came at a costly sum of nearly £1,000 in vets fees, as well as causing both Buddy and his family plenty of anguish.
Vicky Wentworth, Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, said: “Every year we see an increase in cases of dogs poisoned by chocolate during the Easter and Christmas periods.
“Often with more chocolate around, plus school holidays and unusual routines, it can be all too easy for dogs to get hold of Easter eggs and boxes of chocolates.
“Never underestimate just how adept a determined dog can be at getting hold of a treat they like the smell of - we are always surprised by the lengths some dogs go to to get what they want. So please keep chocolate, or anything toxic to your pets, far from their reach.”
The Kennel Club is reminding owners, and those visiting homes with dogs, to ensure Easter remains a safe by following these tips:
- Track of the number of chocolates brought into the house
- Place them safely out of reach, up high and behind the closed doors of cupboards
- Make sure you count the results of Easter egg hunts so none are left behind
- Ensure your dog is kept safely away from Easter egg hunts
- Be aware traditional treats like hot cross buns and Simnel cake, contain grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas toxic to dogs.
