Ahead of the upcoming long Easter weekend, the RSPCA is warning Logan City locals to be extra vigilant about making sure their pets do not eat any chocolate.
With most pets considered part of the family, there’s a quite normal inclination to share the food with the family pet.
But, according to the RSPCA Chocolate is highly toxic, and just 50g can kill a dog.
Chocolate’s key ingredient, Theobromine, is extremely hazardous to our four-legged friends and can cause a range of problems.
RSPCA Qld’s Chief Veterinarian, Dr Anne Chester, has warned Logan City pet owners of the dangers of feeding your pets chocolate.
“Theobromine can cause a range of problems in domestic animals because it triggers the release of adrenaline, which can lead to a greatly accelerated heart rate and an irregular heartbeat,” Dr Chester said.
“Pets can vomit, suffer diarrhoea and excessive urination and become hyperactive.
“This can be followed by depression, coma, seizures and death.”
So be sure to keep human Easter treats away from the opportunistic family pooch.
But chocolate is not the only potential health hazard around at Easter.
“Onions can also be toxic”, Dr Chester warned.
“Even small amounts contained on pizza slices. The fatty foods in barbeque left overs can affect the animals’ pancreas and lead to pancreatitis.
“Cooked bones can also cause major problems. They’re brittle and the sharp slivers can either lodge in the throat or pierce the stomach lining.”
Dr Chester emphasized that she was not trying to be melodramatic.
“We want everyone to enjoy the Easter break. But please! Think carefully before you feed your pets food designed for humans-especially chocolate!”
Holiday periods are usually a time for celebrating, relaxing, and indulging with your family, and it’s normal to want to share these times with your pet.
However, it is important to remember sometimes sharing is not caring when it comes to foods that are hazardous to our pets.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy this Easter with your furry friend, but please remember to keep chocolate and other toxic foods out of reach.
