What foods should I
ensure my dog doesn’t get his paws on this Easter?
Nicola
Bates, Information Scientist, at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS),
advises...
Chocolate
Chocolate
contains theobromine, a chemical very similar to caffeine, which dogs do not
tolerate very well. The amount of theobromine depends on the quality and type
of chocolate. White chocolate contains very little and is generally not a risk
but even a relatively small amount of dark chocolate (which is very high in
theobromine) can cause agitation, hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions and
problems with the heart. Dogs will not
unwrap chocolate and can eat a very large quantity. The wrappers are not toxic
but could cause obstruction of the gut.
Grapes and
dried fruits (currants, sultanas, raisins)
Grapes and
their dried products (currants, sultanas and raisins) are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of even a small quantity can cause
severe kidney failure. Don’t forget this will include food items that contain
dried fruits such as Hot Cross Buns. Be aware that chocolate-coated raisins are
available so there is the additional risk of chocolate toxicity with these.
Xylitol
(food additive code E967)
Xylitol is a
naturally occurring, sugar-free sweetener and is frequently found in sugar-free
chewing gums and sweets, and some pharmaceuticals including nicotine
replacement chewing gums. Xylitol is extremely harmful to dogs and can cause
low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and liver damage.
Alcohol
Dogs may
help themselves to any alcohol left unattended including wine and liqueurs and
it can cause similar signs in them as it does in their owners when drunk in
excess. Dogs can become wobbly and
drowsy and in severe cases there is a risk of low body temperature, low blood
sugar and coma.
Bread dough
Uncooked
bread dough that has been left to prove can be hazardous to dogs. The dough
expands in the warm, moist stomach and this can result in bloating and
obstruction. Also the yeast produces alcohol and this can cause additional
effects (see above).
Macadamia
nuts
Macadamia
nuts can cause lethargy, increased body temperature, tremor, lameness and
stiffness. Be aware that chocolate-coated macadamia nuts are available so there
is also a risk of chocolate toxicity with these.
Leftovers
If there is
any food left over, be careful to dispose of it promptly and appropriately.
Mouldy food (including yoghurt, bread and cheese) can
contain toxins produced by the mould that cause rapid onset convulsions in
dogs.
British Veterinary Association president, Robin Hargreaves, advises...
Every year vets treat thousands of cases of chocolate
poisoning in pets and sadly the poisoning is sometimes fatal. The majority of
the cases we see are accidental chocolate consumption. Dogs have a keen sense
of smell and can easily hunt down hidden Easter eggs.
Owners should try to store chocolates well out of reach
of their animals to avoid an emergency trip to the vet at Easter.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested chocolate
don’t delay in contacting your vet. The quicker we can offer advice and
treatment the better. Vets will want to know how much chocolate your dog has
eaten and what type.
Make sure you know how to contact your vet out of hours
and over the bank holiday weekend when opening hours may be different.
The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear
within 12 hours and can last up to three days. First signs can include
excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness. These symptoms can then
develop into hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and
rapid breathing. In severe cases dogs show fits and heartbeat irregularities
and some cases can result in coma or death.
The Animal Welfare Foundation provides information on a
range of household items that may be poisonous to pet animals in its leaflet
‘Pets and Poisons’ which can be downloaded from http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice/pets-and-poisons.
