In a few days, Easter takes place, and with it the traditional chocolate egg hunts in the gardens, and other cocoa tastings. Unfortunately, for our pets, this tradition is more synonymous with poisoning than feasting, as Agria pet insurance and the AniCura network of veterinary clinics remind us in two separate press releases.
Theobromine is toxic to pets
« If chocolate should be consumed in moderation in humans, we alert pet owners to the risk of poisoning, more or less severe depending on the amount of theobromine contained in the chocolate. “, warns Dr. and Mario Cervone, veterinarian at the AniCura Paris XI clinic. The cocoa in chocolate actually contains a molecule, theobromine, which can cause digestive, nervous and cardiac disorders more or less severe when ingested in large quantities.
For our pets, and in particular dogs, cats, ferrets and small rodents, too much is quickly reached. The Agria animal insurance company thus claims, in view of data collected from Animal poison control centres, that the ingestion of 100 g of dark chocolate containing 1,600 mg of theobromine can be enough to kill a 10 kg dog. “ The Dangerous Consequences vary according to the quantity of chocolate ingested by the animal, the bitterness of the chocolate and the weight of the animal “, specifies the network of veterinarians AniCura. “ Not all dogs have the same sensitivity to theobromine. A small size, a young or still a senior will be more sensitive adds Agria Insurance.
To avoid any accidental ingestion of Easter chocolates by dogs and cats, it is therefore advisable to keep these treats out of their reach.
Symptoms to know
Symptoms, which usually appear a few hours following ingestion, are as follows: agitation, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypertension, tremors, hyperthermia… In the most serious cases, convulsions, heart problems and coma can occur, which can lead to the death of the animal. This is also why it is strongly advised to act as soon as you notice the ingestion of chocolate. The first reflex to have is to contact your veterinarianbecause early management allows appropriate treatment and a better prognosis.
The AniCura network of veterinarians extends its alert toother sources of spring poisoning for our four-legged friends: Easter decorations (garlands, ribbons, strings, stuffed rabbits, etc.) and seasonal flowers (daffodils and tulips), which are toxic.
