Dangers of Chocolate: Your Guide This Easter

Easter is fast approaching and as always, there will be plenty of chocolate consumed in households all over the country. For humans, chocolate is a tasty treat and the only danger it poses is to our waistlines. However, the risks it poses to our furry friends is much greater. Chocolate contains cocoa, and cocoa contains a compound called theobromine. Theobromine is extremely toxic to dogs and also to other pets at certain doses. The amount of theobromine in chocolate is dependent on the type - cocoa powder, baking and dark chocolate have higher amounts of the compound compared to milk or white chocolate. If your dog has accidentally got into some of the kid's Easter eggs, here are some things you should know...

What will happen to my dog?

• Restlessness and hyperactivity;
• Trembling;
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea;
• Increased drinking and urination;
• Increased heart rate; and
• Muscle tremors and/or seizures.

What Should I Do?

How Is Chocolate Poisoning Treated?