Be Careful With Chocolate Today and Dogs

The increasing popularity of high quality 'posh choc'

brands this Easter is increasing the likelihood of the

nation's pets suffering fatal chocolate poisoning,

warns leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

Higher quality plain chocolate products - 'posh chocs' -

are the most dangerous 'treat' as they contain the highest

concentrated doses of theobromine - the component of

chocolate which poisons pets. So, while owners may wish

to indulge in some luxury treats this Easter, PDSA is

warning owners to keep these well out of their pet's reach.

PDSA warns that the best quality products - those with

high cocoa content - pose the biggest risk to the nation's

pets. The average (30g to 45g) bar of upmarket plain

chocolate can contain over 700mg of theobromine.

For example, just a small bar of plain chocolate

could fatally poison a Yorkshire Terrier.

People are simply not aware that even small

amounts of chocolate intended for humans can kill a little dog.

But it is not only chocolate that could be causing

problems this Easter. Cocoa shell mulches, a favourite

with gardeners, also contain high levels of theobromine

(14 to 30 mg per gram) - just a few mouthfuls

could kill a Cocker Spaniel.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury says,

"I have lost count of the number of chocolate poisoning cases

I have seen during my years as a vet. There really is no place

in a pet's diet for chocolate. If you do want to indulge your pet

this Easter then opt for a healthy pet treat instead.

"Even white chocolate is dangerous, although the

theobromine content is relatively low, it can still poison pets."

Sometimes, despite an owner's best intentions, our

four-legged friends will outsmart us and get their

paws on sweet treats, as Elaine explains, "Owners

may think that they have put chocolate in a safe place,

but it's not unheard of for our clever pets to open an

unlocked cupboard to feast on naughty treats such as

chocolate. My advice is to make sure unsuitable foods

are kept in locked cupboards and think twice before

using cocoa mulches in the garden."

The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear

within 4 to 24 hours of ingestion, and can last as long as 72 hours.

Chocolate toxicity symptoms include vomiting,

abdominal tenderness, hyperactivity, salivation and

increased heart rate (although sometimes a slower

heart rate). In severe cases there are fits, increased

rate of breathing, and heart beat irregularities.

In very severe cases it can result in the death of the pet.