Dogsey

With Easter just a few weeks away, PDSA has issued a warning about the poisoning risks to dogs from eating chocolate and daffodils, pointing to a sharp increase in the numbers of pets poisoned around Easter time. In an effort to reduce these numbers, it has teamed up with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), a specialist service which advises vets and welfare organisations on the diagnosis and management of poisoned animals.

According to the VPIS, there was a 150% increase in enquiries about pets poisoned by chocolate in April 2009 compared to March 2009 - most of the victims were dogs who had either found the chocolate, or been fed it. This corresponded to a one third increase in daffodil poisoning enquiries.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury, said that UK vets are expecting “an influx of poisoning cases over the next few weeks”. She warned that luxury brands of chocolate which have a higher cocoa content are the most dangerous, adding: “Just a small bar of dark chocolate could fatally poison a Yorkshire Terrier!”

PDSA and the VPIS have put together some facts on chocolate and daffodil poisoning:

“Chocolate poisoning facts:

Large amounts of chocolate can poison dogs and other pets due to the toxic effects of theobromine, a component of chocolate similar to caffeine.

The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appears within six to 12 hours of ingestion, and can last as long as 72 hours.

Initial signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea abdominal tenderness and restlessness. This can then progress to hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing.

In severe cases there are fits, heart beat irregularities, coma or even death.

Daffodil poisoning facts:

Daffodil bulbs are the most toxic part of this plant. They contain chemicals called alkaloids and glycosides which are hazardous to pets. These chemicals are present in all parts of the flower, but most concentrated in the bulb.

The lethal dose can be as low as 15g of bulbs – this could be as little as just one bulb!

Even the water the daffodils stand in is toxic and can cause stomach upsets in pets if drunk.”


PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Vicky Sims, who treated a Labrador that collapsed after finding and eating a dozen Creme eggs last year (he recovered), said: “Many people are simply not aware that even small amounts of human chocolate can kill a little dog. If you want to indulge your pet you should opt for a healthy pet treat instead.”


Story brought to our attention by: Nippy