Pet owners urged to watch out for choc-horror this Easter

Tom Stone — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

GoCompare Pet Insurance is urging all UK cat and dog owners to be aware this Easter when it comes to chocolate and the danger it poses to their furry pals.

The warning comes in response to the results of a survey conducted by the comparison site, which found that just 68% of dog owners knew that chocolates were dangerous to pets, meaning that potentially a number of owners could be putting their pooch at risk this Easter with chocolatey treats.

Ceri McMillan, Pet Expert at GoCompare said: "Chocolate is a big part of Easter – with an estimated 80 million Easter eggs sold each year in the UK – and we don't suggest for one minute that you shouldn't indulge in chocolate over the Easter weekend, but it's important to take steps to protect your pup or feline friend if there's an abundance of chocolate in the house.

"Chocolate is highly toxic and dangerous to dogs and cats, so to avoid them getting unwell don't be tempted to share or leave it within in easy reach of hungry paws. It was worrying to see that only 68% of dog owners knew that chocolate could be poisonous for their pet, meaning that there's potentially a third of pet owners who own around 4million dogs, who could unwittingly feed their dogs chocolate this Easter."

The age group that was least likely to know that chocolates were dangerous were those aged 25-34, with just 45% knowing that chocolate was dangerous for pets.

London pet owners were also the least likely out of all the regions to know that chocolate is toxic, with just over half of those living the capital claiming that they knew the perils of chocolate.

Why is chocolate dangerous?

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can be toxic for both cats and dogs. Their digestive systems cannot break it down and the effects of chocolate poisoning can depend on the amount and type of chocolate eaten, as well as the size and breed of the pet.

The signs that your cat or dog could have eaten chocolate include vomiting, which can sometimes include blood or breathing heavily and rapidly.

They could also be suffering from an increased heart rate, showing signs of restlessness, or have diarrhoea. It should be noted that these symptoms can occur any time from four to 24 hours after consumption.

Ceri added: "If you think your dog or cat might have eaten chocolate, you need to contact your vet immediately and not wait for the symptoms to start. But if you don't want them to miss out on the fun this Easter, they could have an alternative such as Carob "chocolate" or pet specific chocolate products, which is safe for them to try out."

GoCompare has compiled a guide to the pet perils that could be hiding in plain sight https://www.gocompare.com/pet-insurance/household-dangers-for-your-pets/

A chunk of chocolate could kill a cat, charity warns

Tom Stone — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

A few chocolate buttons or a small chunk could kill a cat, vets at the nation's leading cat charity have warned in the run up to Easter.

Just two grams of chocolate could be toxic to our feline friends, Cats Protection's Central Veterinary Officer Sarah Elliott cautioned: "Eating even a small amount of chocolate could raise a cat's heart rate and increase loss of bodily fluids, both of which could be fatal.

"Caffeine in chocolate can affect the central nervous system and cause muscle twitching, but the main danger is theobromine. Cats can't metabolise the stimulant and diuretic as well as humans so it remains in their bloodstream for longer and quickly builds to dangerous levels."

Signs of poisoning can be seen within 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting the chocolate and can include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive urination, irregular heartbeat and seizures.

Sarah said: "The severity of these symptoms will depend on your cat's weight and how much chocolate they have eaten, but if you believe your cat has eaten any chocolate you should contact your vet straight away. Do not wait for the symptoms to appear before seeking help."

Sarah urged safety at Easter with its shiny temptation of foil-wrapped chocolate "Cats are curious creatures so it's important to keep chocolate out of their reach,' she said. "By taking a few simple precautions we can all tuck into our favourite chocolate while making sure our cats remain happy, healthy and safe."

Cat owners shouldn't confuse curiosity in their own treat as a cat's craving for chocolate. Unlike dogs, a cat's tongue cannot detect sweetness from sugar and it is more likely the cat is just curious or attracted to the fat content of food made for humans.

Chocolate is just one food that poses a risk to cats. Coffee, nuts, grapes, garlic and coconut water can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration. Even milk and cheese can bring on sickness and digestive problems as many cats are lactose intolerant.

Carers at the cat charity's 37 centres and more than 200 branches have first-hand experience of dealing with the fallout of feline misadventure through their work to support cat welfare.

Samantha Taylor, Manager at Cats Protection's Downham Market Adoption Centre, said: "People come to us for support and sometimes ask if it's ok to feed a cat food that is meant for people or to say their cat has eaten something they shouldn't and they are worried.

"Plants such as lilies and daffodils are toxic to cats, but cats have been known to eat anything, from chocolate to plastic. Our advice is always the same; if you think that your cat has eaten something they shouldn't, contact your vet immediately. If you wait, it could be too late."

Cats Protection provides extensive care advice to support better cat ownership, including the risks of eating dangerous foods or flowers. Visit www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/poisoning

Your Pets Daily - Is chocolate dangerous to cats?

Pet owners urged to watch out for choc-horror this Easter

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A chunk of chocolate could kill a cat, charity warns

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