Chocolate Toxicity

"A friendly reminder not to feed your pets chocolate".

 With the Easter season soon upon us, and the Easter bunny stocking up on yummy chocolate eggs it is important to remember that although these delicious treats are fine for us to eat, they are not ok for our pets at home; be it a dog, cat, bird or any other small animal such as a rabbit. Chocolate "dark, milk and white" contains a compound called "theobromine" which is a diuretic and a heart stimulant. As a heart stimulant and diuretic; chocolate if consumed will cause your pet to have many complications: excessive amounts of urine will be passed resulting in unusual thirst, vomiting and diarrhoea are commonly seen and most dangerously the heart will beat at an increased rate with possibly permanent heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Chocolate consumption can cause death in our pets even if a small amount is eaten, it's important therefore to remember that this means all forms of chocolate including cake, ice-cream, biscuits or any product that contains cocoa. To prevent chocolate toxicity in your pet always keep your sweets away from your pet's reach, do not leave chocolate products unattended with your pet and always seek veterinary attention if you feel your pet may have consumed a chocolate product.