Don’t treat pets to chocolate at Easter
From: DOMINIQUE KUHLMANN Pet Food industry Association of Southern Africa WHAT would life be without chocolate? And who among us has not turned to it to ease a broken heart, improve a bad day or satisfy a craving?
Just remember though, while you succumb to temptation for whatever reason, don’t share the treat with your furry friend because it could have dire consequences for him or her.
With Easter seeing copious amounts of chocolate being enjoyed, the Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa would like to warn pet owners against sharing this with pets, including cats, who are often overlooked when considering the forbidden pet foods list.
Sugar and caffeine will always pose health risks for pets and humans alike, so it is not recommended to feed pets any substance with these ingredients in them.
In the case of chocolate, however, it is theobromine that is the concern. This natural stimulant is found in cocoa beans and acts as a diuretic and cardiac and central nervous system stimulant, causing a loss of body fluid and increasing the heart rate.
Humans are not affected in the same way because we have the required enzymes to metabolise theobromine efficiently – pets do not. Theobromine will therefore build up to toxic levels in your pets, which can have lethal effects.
Although there are various factors to consider, which contribute to the level of poisoning, such as the size of the animal, type of chocolate consumed (dark chocolate is the worst) and amount ingested, it is best to avoid it altogether, since as little as 100mg of theobromine per kg of bodyweight is considered toxic.
Pets can be sneaky though, so if your pet has managed to guzzle down some of your chocolate stash, here’s what to do: 1. Call your vet for advice. 2. If symptoms of chocolate poisoning are noted, rush you pet to the vet immediately. These include: Extreme thirst and energy. Diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Pacing, panting and shaking, which leads to increased urination, tremors and seizures, and a racing heart which may ultimately result in a heart attack.
Have information ready for your vet:
How much chocolate was eaten?
What type of chocolate (wrappers will be useful)?
How much time has passed since ingestion?
A sample of their vomit may also be helpful.
Heed this advice all year round.