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Be sure to hide your eggs extra carefully this Easter, as chocolate poisoning in dogs has been found to more than double in April.
Most owners know that the sweet treat, while delicious for humans, can be deadly if eaten by our furry friends.
But at this time of year, people hide chocolate in the garden for Easter eggs, or at least leave it within sniffing distance of a wet nose.
As a result, veterinarians are seeing poisoning cases skyrocket to 123 percent higher than any other time of year, with the exception of December.
This data was collected by Agria Pet Insurance and released by The Kennel Club, which aims to warn owners about the risks of a chocolate weekend.
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is toxic to dogs and in extreme cases can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even death (stock image)
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is toxic to dogs and in extreme cases can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even death.
“Easter can be an exciting time for all the family, but in the midst of the celebrations, owners should remember to keep a close eye on their pets when there’s so much chocolate in the household,” says Bill Lambert, dog health expert at The Kennel Club.
‘A dog’s keen sense of smell means they can sniff out even the best hidden treats as these disturbing statistics show, so it’s vital owners stay vigilant.
“Of course, many families are facing uncertainty and stress due to the cost of living crisis and may not be able to handle any additional or unexpected vet costs.
“Not only can chocolate poisoning be extremely costly, it’s also incredibly upsetting to dogs and their owners.”
It can be easy to think that because Easter eggs are often wrapped in several layers, they are out of reach for our four-legged friends.
That’s not the case, however, as seven-year-old Hector, a Maltese, demonstrated last year when he unwrapped and devoured two bags of foil-covered chocolate.
His owners rushed him to the vet where he was given charcoal to make him vomit his naughty snack, then kept overnight to be monitored.
The next day his prospects were not good; since he was a small breed and had eaten so much chocolate, blood tests showed he was still dangerously ill.
After seven days in a veterinary clinic, Hector finally got well enough to go home, but at the cost of a £5,000 vet bill and a lifetime of expensive specialist kibble.
Last year, seven-year-old Hector (pictured), a Maltese, unwrapped and ate two bags of foil-covered chocolate. His owners received a £5,000 vet bill after he was treated
His owner said, ‘Because I know the dangers of chocolate for dogs, I’m always very careful to keep it away.
“I had no idea that Hector’s determination would lead him to open a cupboard and find packaged chocolate from a bag.
“The week that followed was awful because we felt we were about to lose Hector.
“I am so grateful for the treatment Hector received at the specialist vet and for having insurance.
“Without those things he wouldn’t be with us now.”
But chocolate isn’t the only Easter treat owners should hide, as Hot Cross buns and Simnel cakes contain ingredients that are toxic to pups.
Dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and currants can make you feel unwell even in small amounts, and nutmeg contains myristicin which can cause stomach problems.
In large amounts, myristicin can cause increased heart rate, disorientation, abdominal pain, hallucinations and epileptic seizures.
Many spring flowers, such as daffodils, lilies, tulips, hyacinths and bluebells, can also be harmful to dogs, especially their bulbs, which contain toxic alkaloids and glycosides.
Many spring flowers, such as daffodils, lilies, tulips, hyacinths, and bluebells, can also be harmful to dogs, especially their bulbs, which contain toxic alkaloids and glycosides (stock image)
Veterinarians at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home say the symptoms of plant poisoning to look out for are drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and increased heart and breathing rates.
If any of these potentially poisonous plants are brought home, they should be kept out of reach of dogs and sprayed with a pet repellent.
Bulb vegetables, such as onions and garlic, can also cause nasty stomach upsets, so should not be sneaked under the table during the Sunday Roast.
Ticks are common when the weather starts to warm up, particularly in forests and other grassy areas, which can give your pet a dangerous disease if left on their skin.
It’s a good idea to check your dog’s fur and skin for these small insects and remove them quickly.
This can be done by grabbing it close to the skin with tweezers or a tick remover and slowly pulling or twisting it out.
Ticks are common when the weather starts to warm up, particularly in forests and other grassy areas, which can give your pet a dangerous disease if left on their skin. It’s a good idea to check your dog’s fur and skin for these small insects and remove them quickly
Bee and wasp stings also pose a risk, which can cause the skin to swell and become irritated, and your dog may bite or hold up the affected area.
This should go away quickly, but they could have an allergic reaction, which could be fatal.
If your pet starts vomiting, breathing rapidly, collapses or becomes weak, develops pale gums, diarrhea, bloats excessively, or is stung in the mouth or throat, contact your vet immediately.
Some dogs may also develop seasonal allergies to pollen, grass, and trees, which can make their skin itch.
Flare-ups are more common this time of year as we go on longer, nicer walks.
If you notice your dog getting itchy or developing a sore, it’s important to contact your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan.
Initially, you can press a cooling pack or washcloth on their skin to soothe it, making sure to remove any dust or pollen around their eyes with damp cotton wool.