Easter Hazards!!

Easter eggs, sweets and hot cross buns may be tempting treats but are potentially fatal if eaten by pets.

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to pets, and Easter is the second busiest time of year after Christmas for cases of chocolate poisoning. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause heart problems, hyper excitability and fits. Raisins in hot cross buns can be deadly to pets, while the traditional Easter Sunday dinner can cause problems with gastroenteritis or choking on bones.

Lilies are poisonous to cats and daffodil, crocus and tulip bulbs are toxic to dogs. Nichi our Practice Manager said: “Whether it’s caused by well-meaning owners treating their pets with chocolate or chocolate accidentally left within their reach, we see a lot of dogs suffering from chocolate poisoning at this time of year.”

“The higher the level of cocoa in the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, so the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, and can lead to seizures and cardiac failure.”

“Some sweets and chewing gum contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol, which is toxic to pets. The safest option is to keep chocolate and sweets locked away, well out of reach of pets. While it’s tempting to give your pet some of your traditional Easter roast, turkey and lamb are rich and fatty and can cause pancreatitis or gastroenteritis. Cooked meat bones can also cause choking or a blockage or perforate the intestine.”

“Even the most well behaved pets can be tempted to steal food so make sure they can’t get access to the tops of cookers or kitchen worktops.”

Nichi added: “Contact us immediately for advice if you think your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t. It is useful to provide vital information, including how much has been consumed, the ingredients and if it is milk or dark chocolate.”