With the long-awaited Easter weekend just around the corner, the Easter Bunny is well and truly loaded with chocolatey treats to make for a celebration fit for any sweet tooth.
But while we unwrap and tuck into our treats this Easter, we’ve compiled some tips to help dog owners to stay vigilant and keep the chocolate out of reach to ensure a pooch-friendly Easter weekend.
Chocolate and dogs
While us humans love nothing more than digging into a delicious chocolate egg, human chocolate/cocoa treats are toxic to dogs. Human chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, which can lead to both increased heart rate and stimulation of your dog’s nervous system.
The risk of your pooch becoming poorly from eating chocolate or chocolate-containing products depends on several factors, including the type of chocolate they have eaten and the size/weight of your dog. However, the most effective way to safeguard your dog from chocolate is to ensure it is kept safely out of their way.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning
There are several signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs to look out for, which typically appear within 6 – 12 hours of consumption. These include:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Your dog feeling excessively thirsty
- Drooling
- Heart rate changes
- Excitability
- Seizures
- Potential kidney failure
- Potential heart failure
It is important to look out for the above signs and keep a close eye on your dog throughout the Easter period.
What should I do if I think my dog has been poisoned?
If you witness your dog eating chocolate, or you think they might have, seek urgent advice from your vet immediately.
How can I keep my dog safe this Easter?
If you’re worried about keeping your dog safe this Easter, here are some top tips to follow to keep them out of harms way:
- Never give your dog any chocolate as a treat, either at Easter time or throughout the year.
- Ensure any visiting friends or relatives are also made aware to avoid giving chocolate treats.
- Avoid leaving any eggs, chocolate bars or cakes unattended in the home, particulary during busy periods where you or your family are likely to be distracted.
- Store treats for the kids or your own stash high up or in a cupboard where your dog cannot reach.
- Curious dogs love a rummage – keep bin bags, shopping bags containing chocolate or any chocolate wrappers well tied up, disposed of properly and out of your dog’s sight.
- Be extra vigilant when out on a dog walk – others may have discarded litter or left chocolate wrappers on your walking route.
- Keep a close eye on your dog and watch out for any symptoms that indicate he may have eaten chocolate.
Dog-friendly Easter treats
We all know that our furry friends are part of the family, so why not give them a pet-friendly Easter treat containing carob instead?
A tasty and safe chocolate alternative for pooches, carob-containing Easter treats will satisfy your dog’s apetite and make them feel part of the celebrations.
Ensure that when purchasing carob products, you look out for instructions on the age of dog the product is suitable for. While carob saves the day and lets your dog join in, ensure that any treats are given in moderation, in line with your dog’s daily calorific intake and only as a reward for good behaviour.
Need advice?
If you would like to find out more tips on keeping your dog safe this Easter, advice on carob-containing treats or just a natter, contact us today. You can always pop into our shop for a browse, you never know what sweet dog treats you might find!
