Easter Chocolate WARNING

As Easter nears, it's vitally important that we, as dog owners, are well aware of the dangers that Easter treats pose to our canine companions. All chocolate is toxic to dogs, and should NEVER be given to or left out for the dog to eat. If you do see and/or suspect your dog has ingested anything chocolatey, then an emergency visit to the vet is needed at once.

There are many things you need to be aware of when it comes to chocolate poisoning in dogs; without the required knowledge, you are putting your dog at a higher risk of poisoning. YOU are the caring and responsible owner of your beloved dog! Here are some main points:

- The toxic component in chocolate is theobromine. As humans, we metabolite this with ease, however dogs process it much more slowly, thus allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system.

- A large dog CAN consumes more chocolate than a small dog before taking ill effect, however eventually, chocolate does just the same damage (often lethal) to all sizes. Therefore whatever size of dog you have, the same principles apply for rushing your dog STRAIGHT to the vet if any chocolate has been/is suspected to have been ingested.

- In large amounts, theobromine can produce muscle tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding or a heart attack. The onset of theobromine is usually marked with severe hyperactivity.

NEVER EVER delay veterinary attention in lethal situations like this, or any other risk-posing situations at that. The initial treatment for theobromine poisoning is inducing vomiting within twi hours of ingestion. This is to rid the system of the consumed chocolate products.

So... How about treating your dog to something different this Easter? Chocolate is 100% banned from the doggy agenda at all times, however, the wonderful pet industry have created special canine-safe chocolate products, including doggy Easter Eggs! How about that?

Image Source - Google Images

Ensure your dog is chocolate-free, and happy as can be! Because he has HIS OWN type of safe chocolate to enjoy, now! So go and buy your special pooch something tasty and safe.* And NEVER EVER allow him near any human chocolate, or give him any. Because chocolate can kill your dog. And if your dog DOES end up having eaten any chocolate, you should get him straight to the vet.

*We recommend dog chocolate is given as special occasion treats, and not on a regular basis. 

**I am by no means a canine expert in any field, nutrition also. I have done my own research and know my own facts about dogs and caring for them, which I share with you on this blog in good will. I suggest strongly that if you have ANY canine related concerns about your pet, call your vet.

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