Vets warn dog owners to beware of chocolate poisoning at Christmas

Dog owners have been urged to keep festive treats away from their pets, as vets prepare for a spike in cases of chocolate poisoning.

More than 350 dogs have suffered the symptoms of chocolate exposure in the last five years, according to research published in Vet Record.

Advent calendars, Christmas tree decorations, Santa Claus figures and gift box selections were among the confectionery items devoured by dogs. One particularly greedy canine got through six Chocolate Oranges and six Toblerones, while another was treated for poisoning after gulping down a hot chocolate drink, the study found.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine, which can cause vomiting, increased heart rate, agitation and seizures in dogs.

Between 2012 and 2017, 386 cases of chocolate poisoning involving 375 animals were reported at almost 230 veterinary practices in the UK, researchers at the University of Liverpool found. Chocolate exposure was more than four times as likely to be recorded at Christmas and almost twice as likely to be recorded at Easter than in non-festive periods.

The pdsa said owners should keep pets away from chocolate and other toxic foods including alcohol, grapes, sultanas, onions and garlic.

Veterinary researcher Dr Peter-john Mantyla Noble, who led the study, said: “If chocolate is consumed, owners should talk to their vet as soon as possible.”