The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Vet warns of spike in incidents for the festive season
Parkside Vets have warned dog owners to be vigilant about keeping chocolate out of pets’ reach, as during the Christmas season they normally see a spike in poisonings.
If a dog eats chocolate, they could become seriously ill or even die, depending on the amount and type of chocolate ingested.
A spokeswoman for the vet’s clinic said: “Chocolate is toxic because it contains the methylxanthine theobromine.
“Theobromine is similar to caffeine and is used medicinally as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and as a bronchodilator.
“Theobromine can be poisonous in high doses and can result in severe clinical signs, especially if untreated.
“Higher levels are found in dark chocolate and cocoa powder.
“The most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, panting, excessive urination, a racing heart rate, muscle tremors and — rarely — seizures.
“If you think your dog has eaten chocolate please call us as quickly as possible.” An escaped piglet has been rescued after it was found running wild on a busy motorway.
The Scottish SPCA was alerted after a lorry driver spotted the commercial landrace piglet on the A90 towards the Forth Road Bridge.
The animal welfare charity is now seeking the owner of the animal or, potentially, a new home.
Chief inspector John Chisholm said: “The poor girl was found running about the road and was clearly frightened, she wouldn’t keep still so it was very difficult to catch her.
“Thanks to the quick and decisive actions of the HGV driver, however, the piglet was kept out of harm’s way until I arrived.
“Had she escaped from a transporter then she should have been marked or tagged, but she had no ID of any kind.
“Luckily she didn’t have any injuries and is now safely at our Inverness centre and we’re looking to give her a new home where she can spend the rest of her days.”
Anyone who recognises the piglet – which was rescued on December 1 – is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Inverness centre by calling 03000 999 999.