Keep your pets safe this Easter

As Easter approaches, pet owners everywhere are making plans to gather together to eat hot cross buns and go hunting for chocolate Easter eggs. However, the treats we surround ourselves with at Easter may have the potential to cause harm to our beloved pets.

Dr Jill Griffiths, The Animal Hospital’s Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Supervisor has this to say about chocolate and our furry friends:

"Chocolate is very toxic to dogs – they are at least three times as sensitive to the toxic compounds in it as humans, meaning they do not need to eat much to become very sick. Chocolate toxicity starts with vomiting, diarrhoea, a pounding heart beat and agitation, then progresses through tremors, twitches and collapse to seizures and potentially death.

"Obviously prevention is better than treatment, but if your pet manages to over indulge on delicious Easter treats, The Animal Hospital veterinary doctors recommend you take them to a vet as soon as possible.

"Hot cross buns slathered in butter are a traditional and delicious start to the day. However, sultanas have been associated with kidney failure in dogs, so best not to let your dog eat the leftovers. If your pet has eaten sultanas or grapes, veterinary attention is recommended to either try to remove the grapes or sultanas from their system or to provide support to the kidneys if they are showing signs of injury."

What should you do if your dog consumes chocolate or any other toxic food items? 

Call your vet or 24 hour emergency centre, they will advise you if you need to attend to make your pet vomit or not, or if your pet will require more intensive treatment such as in hospital care. 

The Animal Hospital’s Emergency Clinic is open all hours over the Easter Holidays and ANZAC Day.

Primary Care Reception opening hours Weekdays 8am -6pm | Saturday 8am -12pm

Emergency is open 24 hours, 7 days

The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University Nyarrie Drive, Murdoch WA 6150

1300 652 494

www.TheAnimalHospital.com.au