With Easter and countless sweet treats just around the corner, we\u2019re keen to remind dog owners of the potentially fatal consequences of allowing pets to get their paws on a chocolatey feast.<\/p>\n
While we know many dog owners are aware of the dangers posed to their pets of chocolate, we\u2019re urging everyone with a furry friend in the house to be extra careful where they leave Easter eggs and other treats during the holiday period.<\/p>\n
Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance which is extremely harmful to dogs as they struggle to metabolise it, so it builds up in their bodies to toxic levels.<\/p>\n
If a dog is suffering from chocolate poisoning, they can display symptoms including hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhoea and fits.<\/p>\n
Alan Hutchinson, our acting co-clinical director at Moor Cottage, is also urging dog owners to be aware of the potentially fatal damage xylitol, a sugar replacement, can cause.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIn this day and age, when many people are striving to be healthier, they are seeking alternatives to sugar for their recipes and are increasingly using xylitol.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what can be perfectly healthy and good for us humans can result in the loss of a pet\u2019s life, so I would urge dog owners to keep anything containing xylitol safely locked away.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, all chocolate and cocoa products should also be kept well out of the reach of dogs.<\/p>\n
\u201cDark chocolate is the most dangerous as it has a higher cocoa content but milk chocolate is also a threat, as just a couple of small pieces can sometimes be enough to cause a problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first two hours after eating chocolate can be vital for a pet\u2019s recovery, so it\u2019s essential to call a vet immediately. The sooner a dog is seen and treated the better.<\/p>\n
\u201cInformation is often key and knowing the type of chocolate, the amount eaten and even keeping the chocolate wrapper can all help, as the wrapper should tell us the amount of cocoa content in the treat.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, please let us know as soon as possible.<\/p>\n With Easter and countless sweet treats just around the corner, we\u2019re keen to remind dog owners of the potentially fatal consequences of allowing pets to get their paws on a chocolatey feast. While we know many dog owners are aware of the dangers posed to their pets of chocolate, we\u2019re urging everyone with a furry … <\/p>\n![\"moor](\"https:\/\/www.bracknellvets.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Easter-warning-pic.jpg\")