Pet Insurance: Dog owners warned of chocolate danger
Pet Insurance: Easter chocolate dog warning
Thursday, 20 Mar 2008 10:03
Dog owners are being warned not to feed their pets chocolate this Easter.
Some 80 million Easter eggs are expected to be scoffed this weekend – but pet owners are being warned theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in chocolate, is highly toxic to dogs.
The chemical is so toxic to dogs that 240g of dark chocolate can kill a German shepherd.
Andrew Selby, the head of online pet insurance provider Pet Guard, has seen the effects first hand of chocolate poisoning after his 12-year-old pet beagle Sacha came across some Easter eggs during a family egg hunt.
"When we found Sacha, snout covered in chocolate, it was clear she was in some discomfort, but we figured she would sleep it off and that our main concern would be the children and their lack of eggs," he said.
"We had no idea that ingesting chocolate in large quantities can be dangerous, and even though Sacha must have devoured nearly six large Easter eggs, it was a huge shock when, later that evening, we found the dog had died."
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include hyperactivity, agitation, breathlessness, vomiting, diarrhoea and increased urination.
Mr Selby added: “We’re expecting a spike in claims this Easter as dogs pounce on unguarded chocolate. We always advise our customers to keep chocolate out of reach of dogs, but we’re also realistic and appreciate that accidents can happen.
“Speaking from experience, it’s important to consult your vet immediately if you think it may have ingested a significant quantity of chocolate."