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Who left the chocs out? Pet experts issue warning to dog and cat owners, as poisonings surge by 350% over Easter
As Brits get set to eat more than 80 million Easter eggs, Admiral Pet Insurance has teamed up with PawSquad to remind owners of the significant risk of chocolate poisoning, and what to do if the worst happens
- Data from online veterinary consultation service, PawSquad, reveals that calls about chocolate toxicity surged by 350% over the Easter break last year – with gastrointestinal issues rising by 20%
- Claims from Admiral include a Cocker Spaniel who consumed a chocolate bar AND the wrapper, and a small dog who found and ate 150g of chocolate – the equivalent of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange –when home alone
- PawSquad Veterinarian, Dr Melina Mihaylova, shares advice on what to do if a pet does consume chocolate and how to spot the signs that your cat or dog may have ingested harmful foods
- Veterinary Specialist, Nicki Fox RVN CertVNECC APVN, from Admiral Pet Insurance reveals the foods you should never let your pets eat – with no-no’s including raisins, nuts, garlic, onions and cooked bones
With Easter fast approaching, pet experts are warning owners to keep their chocolate eggs away from cats and dogs, as chocolate is poisonous for pets. While most humans know they should never feed chocolate to their pet, many homes will have chocolate lying around, and it’s easy for cats and dogs to snaffle tempting chocs in the blink of an eye. If they do consume chocolate, it’s crucial to seek treatment as quickly as possible. This Easter, Admiral Pet Insurance has teamed up with online 24/7 veterinary consultation provider, PawSquad to give advice to cat and dog owners on what to do if their pet accidentally ingests chocolate.
PawSquad’s data shows that last year, the number of calls it dealt with from pet owners regarding chocolate toxicity climbed by 350% when compared to the equivalent two weeks to the month before Easter. With 80 million chocolate eggs consumed over Easter, it’s easy to see how pets can end up getting sick from eating chocolate at this time of year. PawSquad also usually sees cases of gastrointestinal problems climb by 20% due to more tempting food around the home, some of which is toxic to pets.
Claims for chocolate poisoning reported to Admiral include a Cocker Spaniel who ate a chocolate bar in its wrapper and a small dog who discovered a 150g bar of chocolate - the weight of a Chocolate Orange - while home alone and scoffed the lot.
Although many people will be stowing away their Easter treats, a clever pet could manage to outsmart its owner. In situations where your pet does ingest chocolate, it’s crucial that owners recognise the signs and know what steps to take. Dr. Melina Mihaylova, MRCVS, PawSquad Veterinarian and Clinical Support, has shared advice on what to do to help your dog or cat:
“Very often the pets present with, but not exclusively:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Trembling
- Lack of coordination and balance
- A breathing rate consistently higher than 30 breaths per minute while resting or sleeping.
“As many of these symptoms are very unspecific, it is vital to quickly contact a veterinarian if there is the slightest chance your pet might have been in contact with a toxic substance.”
Melina adds: “It is also very helpful to keep and show the packaging of the item your pet might have gotten hold of, as it gives veterinary professionals a better chance of correctly assessing the health risks and deciding on appropriate treatment.”
Chocolate however isn’t the only food that could be harmful to your pets this Easter. Before giving your roast dinner leftovers to your pets, Admiral and PawSquad are encouraging pet owners to consider which foods are right for their pet, and which may be harmful. Nicki Fox, Veterinary Specialist RVN CertVNECC APVN at Admiral Pet Insurance, has revealed some surprising snacks are safe for your pets, and which foods to avoid:
Foods to share with your pet: | Foods to avoid: |
Apples: This fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C, although it's important that cats don't eat the stems, leaves or seeds.
| Grapes and raisins: Also found in many cakes including hot cross buns. |
Carrots: These are high in fibre but should be cooked for felines to avoid a choking hazard. | Onions, garlic and chives: A key ingredient in many meals, it’s key to ensure your leftovers are safely stowed away from your furry friends. |
Plain, boiled chicken breast: This is a much safer meat for both dogs and cats. | Nuts: Various types of nuts can be harmful, but Macadamia nuts are especially dangerous for dogs and cats. |
Blueberries: This fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, and E, as well as being high in antioxidants, flavonoids, and fibre.
| Milk and dairy: With many pets being unable to break down lactose, consuming dairy could lead to intestinal cramping and diarrhoea. |
White rice: Good for dogs but only in moderation for cats. Ideal for a bland diet when they have tummy ache. | Cooked bones: Contrary to the nursery rhyme, don’t give a dog a cooked bone as they can be a choking hazard! |
Nicki adds: “Easter brings an array of vibrant colours through beautiful Springtime flowers, Easter eggs, and a variety of other tasty treats such as currant buns and cakes.
“It is easy to become distracted when celebrating with friends and family, however this is a time as pet owners, when it’s also particularly important to be aware of and familiarise ourselves with the toxins that pose a threat to our pets at this time of year.
“Chocolates and raisins are often more readily available over the Easter period, however, these sweet treats for humans are actually toxic and harmful for our pets.
“So, let’s all keep track of those chocolate eggs that have been hidden for an Easter egg hunt, and make sure that other sweet treats, and plants such as lilies, daffodils and tulips are kept well out of reach of pets.”
PawSquad, monitored by UK registered vets, offers 24/7 advice for pet owners, with the option to communicate via audio, video and text. Find out more at PawSquad.com, or get the PawSquad app on Apple and Android.