Chocolate toxicity

With the Easter festivities coming up, there is always the risk of a dog being tempted to eat one of those tasty Easter eggs!

Dogs are most commonly affected, due to the common 'sweet tooth' they seem to have and their habit of rapid consumption, however it is important to remember that cats and other species are susceptible to the toxic effects of chocolate too.

The chemical in chocolate that is highly toxic to dogs is theobromine. Half a small bar of dark chocolate (around 50g) is enough to end the life of a little terrier. Small dogs are much more at risk as the toxic effect is dose-dependent, so a 40kg Labrador would need to eat eight times as much chocolate as a 5kg terrier to be affected.

Vomiting and diarrhoea occur 2-4 hours after the intake. Nervous system stimulation leads to hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. The heart rate becomes rapid and irregular. Excessive urination may result from the diuretic action of the chocolate. Heart failure, weakness, coma and even death can occur 12 to 36 hours after intake.

If your animal has possibly ingested some chocolate, or if there is vomiting, nervousness or weakness, take your animal immediately to your veterinarian.

We suggest you keep your Easter eggs to yourself this Easter!