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Sydney Animal Hospitals: LifeVAC
How To Keep Your Dog Safe This Easter
Easter is a time for celebration, but it can also be a minefield for our furry friends. With chocolate eggs tempting pups and hot cross buns packed with raisins, the season presents plenty of dangers. Fortunately, the team at NEVS (Northside Emergency Veterinary Service) in Terrey Hills is ready to help if your pet finds itself in trouble. Every Easter, NEVS treats dozens of dogs for chocolate and grape toxicity and has some helpful tips to keep your pup safe this holiday season.
Four Easter Hazards to Look Out For:
Chocolate: A sweet treat for you, but a dangerous disaster for dogs! Packed with theobromine, it can lead to vomiting, tremors, seizures, or worse. The darker the chocolate, the bigger the trouble. So, keep those paws off the goodies.
Hot Cross Buns: These festive treats often contain sultanas, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Easter Decorations: Fun for you, but a hidden hazard for dogs! Fabric, foil wrappers, and decorations can turn into serious tummy troubles if swallowed, leading to dangerous blockages.
Fatty and Sugary Foods: Leftover roasts, bones, and sweet treats can upset your dog’s tummy or even lead to pancreatitis.
How Much Chocolate Is Dangerous for Dogs?
Not all chocolate is equally harmful to dogs. The danger lies in theobromine, and the amount of it varies based on the type of chocolate. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, while milk and white chocolate have much lower levels. Here’s a quick chocolate rundown, from the most to the least dangerous: cocoa beans, unsweetened cocoa powder, unsweetened baking chocolate, dark chocolate, semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. Even though white chocolate contains the least theobromine, it can still cause an upset stomach in your furry friend due to its fat and sugar content.
Symptoms to Look Out For
The symptoms of chocolate poisoning depend on how much your dog eats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, restlessness, panting, frequent urination, and a racing heart. In severe cases, it can lead to arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or seizures. Complications like aspiration pneumonia from vomiting can worsen the situation, and symptoms might last for hours or even days.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Chocolate?
Don’t panic! Instead, call the team at NEVS to determine if your dog has ingested a toxic amount. Acting quickly improves your dog’s chances.
How Is Chocolate Poisoning Treated?
Treatment depends on how much chocolate your dog consumed. Your vet may induce vomiting, offer gastrointestinal support, and provide fluids. They’ll also monitor your dog's heart rate and blood pressure. If symptoms appear, treatment will focus on keeping your dog comfortable and helping them recover.
NEVS: The Emergency Care When You Need It Most
At NEVS, the clinical care team is always ready to provide expert emergency care when your regular vet is closed. The dedicated team is available every night, weekend, and public holiday to ensure your pet gets the urgent treatment they need, just like the many pets they've helped during past Easter weekends.
If your pet gets into something they shouldn’t, or if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call the team at NEVS. They’re happy to offer advice and assistance over the phone and will guide you on when to bring your pet to their location in Terrey Hills.
This Easter, keep those chocolate treats out of reach and stay mindful of hidden hazards. If your pup manages to sneak a treat, don’t stress—NEVS is here to help!
