Chocolate heaven this Easter?

This Easter the RSPCA are reminding pet owners that, although heavenly for us, chocolate can be poisonous, and even fatal, for some animals.

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is harmless to humans, but highly toxic to some animals because they digest the chemical at a much slower rate.  The most common victims of chocolate poisoning are dogs as they are more prone to eating chocolate, however it can also affect other animals such as cats, birds and horses.  The toxic effect of chocolate depends on the size of the animal, so the smaller the animal, the more susceptible it is to chocolate poisoning.

The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Small terrier-type dogs can be poisoned from as little as 50 grammes of plain chocolate – that’s just one average-sized chocolate bar.  Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst and urination, excitability, increased heart rate and, in the later stages, convulsions.  If your pet is displaying any of these signs, seek advice from your vet immediately. If caught early, theobromine poisoning is treatable.

Most dogs will beg for chocolate when they see someone eating it, but don’t give in to those big brown eyes.  Instead, why not take your dog for a nice long walk followed by a bowl of its favourite dog food.  If you really want to give your dog a treat over Easter, pet shops sell special chocolate drops that are safe for dogs to eat, and some pet shops even sell chocolate Easter eggs especially for dogs.

The best thing to do is keep your pet on its normal diet. Natural treats or chews packed with essential nutrients designed to help maintain an animal’s health can be just as tasty for your pet.

Moderation is key. If you do decide to treat your pet this Easter, don’t feed it too much. Your pet will end up feeling poorly, just like you would if you ate too many Easter eggs!

Remember, just a few extra pounds can be a big problem for both dogs and cats. It can lead to straining of the joints, causing arthritis, as well as other illnesses, like diabetes, liver disease and heart disease.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight read our expert advice about pet obesity. 

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