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Avoid Chocolate For Creatures Great And Small

Author: AVA
Posted: Tuesday 7th April, 2009. 00:00:00

With Easter approaching remember that all things sweet and chocolatey are for humans and not our furry or feathered friends.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is keen to remind pet owners that feeding chocolate to your dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, bird, or other pet can be very bad for their health.

“While dogs are most at risk, especially as they can be quite the greedy guts, other animals can suffer chocolate toxicosis, or poisoning, if they have too much,” Dr Mark Lawrie, AVA President said.

“Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant which increases the heart rate and can lead to an irregular heart beat.

“When our pets have chocolate - in any amount - they can become hyperactive, start vomiting, suffer diarrhoea and urinate excessively. This can be followed by depression, seizure, coma and even death.

“The size of your pet and how much you feed them will determine how sick they could become. Dark and cooking chocolates will have a worse effect.

However, even a medium sized chocolate bar could make your pet sick.

“For those families who have an egg hunt as part of their Easter celebrations make sure you hide any chocolate eggs up high and take care that they are all found at the end. You don’t want your pet finding some you have missed when you aren’t there,” Dr Lawrie said.

“If you do want to get a special treat for Easter, there are some great healthy gift ideas out there for your pet. Visit your local vet or pet shop and get some advice on a suitable gift.

“And remember, when you’re cracking your eggs this Easter, spending quality time with your pet may be the best Easter present you could give them.”

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