Avoid ‘toxic choc’ syndrome
While millions indulge their sweet tooth during National Chocolate Week (12 to 18 October) pet owners are warned to avoid ‘toxic choc’ syndrome, which can cause agony or even death for four-legged snack-lovers.
Every year, leading veterinary charity, PDSA, treats dozens of dogs and other pets whose choccy habit has led to pain and misery. This is because human chocolate contains the chemical theobromine, which is highly poisonous to many animals.
In one recent case, a pet Labrador needed life-saving treatment from PDSA after wolfing down a dozen chocolate cream eggs.
High quality chocolate products – those with the largest cocoa content – pose the biggest risk to the nation’s pets. An average (30g to 45g) bar of upmarket dark chocolate can contain over 700mg of theobromine. This is more than enough to fatally poison a Yorkshire Terrier!
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, says: “Owners should never feed their pets human chocolate. Not only is it toxic, but the high sugar content isn’t good for their waistline or teeth.”
The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 12 hours of eating, and can last as long as 72 hours. Initial signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, a tender tummy and restlessness. These symptoms can then progress to hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. In severe cases there are fits, heart beat irregularities, coma or even death.
Sean continues: “If you can’t resist giving your pet a treat, make sure it’s a suitable pet treat or give them some extra play time instead.”
Dog owners can buy cocoa free, dog safe Good Boy choc-drops at PDSA’s charity shops around the UK. All sales of the products help to raise funds for the charity, which receives no government or lottery funding for its PetAid services.
Click here to read more about chocolate and your dog and other deadly household poisons that your dog may have access to…
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