Easter Caution for Pets

Chocolate and chocolates contain three important chemicals that can be toxic to your beloved pets. These are sugar (diabetes), caffeine and theobromine. White chocolate contains the least cocoa but cooking chocolate can be ten times more toxic than confectionery milk chocolate.

My own dog eats sporadic chocolate treats with impunity but she never receives much at a time. Some sensitive individuals will react to only small quantities, so it is wisest to avoid chocolate altogether.

However, at Easter time, when the household may be expanded and chocolate goodies may be lying around and pets can help themselves to large quantities in a short time. This is very dangerous.

ADVICE: KEEP ALL CHOCOLATES AND SWEETS OUT OF THE REACH OF PETS.

When dangerous amounts of chocolate have been eaten, symptoms can include restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination and possibly excessive panting. The toxic chemicals are stimulants. In excessive amounts, they can cause death.

If your dog or cat steals chocolate and shows some abnormal symptoms or behaviour, you must seek prompt veterinary advice. You should be armed with details of the type of chocolate, quantity consumed and timing, if possible.

If this is impractical, a crystal of washing soda, administered by mouth, can induce sickness and elimination of the toxic material.

"Years ago, in May our Cocker Spaniel started having problems walking. Couldn't go up and down the stairs and walking was difficult. Turns out that we had a Ponsietta Plant sitting on the floor and he was eating it. Poison, it turns out."

Poinsettia is a popular Christmas house plant - this valuable comment highlights the potential dangers of some pot plants to inquisitive pets. We have also experienced poisonings by daffodils.

Thanks Margo, for this valuable contribution to my Christmas Welfare lens - http://www.squidoo.com/christmas-welfare-safety-for-pets.

This link takes you to the ASPCA's lists of plants that may be toxic: http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.aspx?page=1

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats. The dose that can be dangerous may vary from individual to individual, making it impossible to determine and to advise on 'safe' levels.

Sugar in itself can be dangerous to both dogs and cats. Both species can develop diabetes and it's bad for mouth and dental health.

For the sake of the welfare and longevity of your pet, avoid giving chocolates or sweets and prevent your pet from stealing these items. Please remember also to tell the children of the dangers.

_________________________________________________________________________

The author is independent of commercial interest or sponsorship and cannot endorse any products or advertising material attached to this lens.

For more information, visit AVMC's information website (over 600 pages).

Chris Day - holistic vet - runs the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre in Oxfordshire (AVMC) in Oxfordshire, UK.