Almost one in five dogs (19%) have eaten chocolate at one point in their lives
Most dog owners know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, and too much of the sweet stuff can lead to serious health problems and even death.
With Easter just around the corner, dog owners will be hiding their Easter eggs well out of reach. But dogs have both a keen sense of smell and a notorious sweet tooth – which may explain why so many of them manage to get their paws on the potentially fatal treat.
A survey by Insureyourpaws.co.uk, a specialist pet insurance provider, revealed that almost one in five dogs (19%) have eaten chocolate at one point in their lives.
The survey of UK pet owners found that just over three-quarters of dog owners (76%) said their dog has eaten or chewed through something that they shouldn’t.
While toys, shoes and socks are common targets, many dogs have consumed food, such as chocolate (19%), sweets (14%) and grapes or raisins (8%), which can also cause severe health issues including kidney and liver damage.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can lead to severe poisoning or even death in dogs. The higher the cocoa content, the higher the theobromine, making dark chocolate especially dangerous.
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insureyourpaws.co.uk, says: “If your dog eats something dangerous, it’s vital to seek veterinary advice immediately.
“However, in an emergency always go straight to your vet. Pet insurance helps cover unexpected vet costs, giving owners the confidence that their pets can receive the care they need.”
Signs of chocolate poisoning can appear within a few hours, but can sometimes take up to 12 hours to appear. In severe cases, toxicity can cause fast breathing or panting, shaking, trembling and tremors, high temperature, seizures, a fast heart rate, and high blood pressure, the PDSA reports.
The charity said: “Fortunately, most cases of chocolate ingestion don’t cause long-term problems and, with the right treatment, most dogs make a full recovery. However, it’s important to act fast because in severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal if treatment is delayed.”
Potential treatments for dogs who have eaten chocolate include induced vomiting at a vet clinic, a fluid drip to support their vital organs and prevent them from becoming dehydrated, and sedation in serious cases. A vet may also used activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins in the dog's body.
