Easter and chocolate are a good combination, but not for your beloved pets
Don't share any chocolate treats with your furry friends.
Chocolate is one of the most delicious treats we as humans treat ourselves with, and it is very tempting to indulge our pets with tasty chocolate treats too.
Some pet owners will claim that they have given their dogs chocolate with no ill result, but the danger is very real.
Going into the Easter season, it is especially important to note the dangers and the possibility of pets getting hold of chocolate, even if not intended by the owner.
Dr Elizna Boag, Afrivet’s general manager for companion animals urges us to please be aware and responsible on behalf of our beloved pets.
The danger depends on a couple of factors. These include the type of chocolate, the size of the dog and course the amount of chocolate eaten.
The toxic ingredient in chocolate is called theobromine. Dogs cannot metabolise theobromine in the same way humans can, and because of this, toxic levels can easily build up in their systems.
The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it will be to dogs. Milk chocolate or white chocolate is much less toxic to dogs than for example 80% dark chocolate.
Large dogs can eat much more than small breeds without any effect. For example, if a 30kg dog eats two blocks of milk chocolate, there is no need for concern.
However, should a 5kg dog eat 10 blocks of dark chocolate, there is a considerable need for concern, and in such a case the owner should get veterinary advice as soon as possible. In serious cases, theobromine can cause muscle tremors, seizures, arrhythmias, or even heart failure.
“Any amount of dark chocolate consumed should be treated as dangerous, to stay on the safe side. A veterinary consultancy should be sought,” said Boag.
During the Easter season, owners are not always aware when dogs get hold of chocolate.
The first sign of theobromine toxicity to look out for is hyperactivity. If you suspect that your dog may have gotten hold of the Easter eggs or chocolate bunnies, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Usually, the veterinarian will induce vomiting, but depending on the amount, the darkness and the size of the dog, the vet will treat patients based on the clinical presentation.
“Time is of the essence in any toxicity case, knowing the signs could save your beloved pets. The hunt for chocolate treats can be enjoyable for the whole family, but your family pet cannot enjoy the spoils,” said Boag.
