Dog owners warned over Easter chocolate poisoning
After new figures showed the rise in chocolate poisoning, the British Veterinary Association urged dog owners to watch out for their pets.
Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets away from chocolate over Easter after new figures revealed the extent of chocolate poisoning over the Easter holidays.
British Veterinary Association’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, which polled over 1,600 UK vets, showed one in three vets treated at least one case of chocolate poisoning last Easter.
Compared to the same period in 2015, the poll shows a marked increase with the highest number of incidences happening in the south of England.
Chocolate can be highly poisonous to pets as it contains theobromine, a naturally occurring chemical found in cocoa beans, which, while fine for humans, is harmful to dogs and other animals.
British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said: “Easter is great fun for the whole family, but unfortunately dogs like to join in too. With their keen sense of smell, they will easily win Easter egg hunts so wherever chocolate is being stored – inside or outside – make sure it is pet proof and out of reach of inquisitive noses to avoid an emergency trip to the vet. Also remind any visitors over the Easter holidays to keep their chocolate out of the dog’s reach too.
“Over the bank holiday weekend veterinary practice opening hours may vary, so make sure you know how to contact your local vet during Easter. If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate we’d advise contacting your local vet immediately.”
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