While hunting and eating chocolate eggs is part of the fun this Easter, the RSPCA is reminding pet owners its a really bad idea to share it with our furry friends.
RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Dr. Liz Arnott has issued tips on keeping our pets safe this time of the year.
“Both dark and milk chocolate contain caffeine and theobromine, both are directly toxic.” said Dr Arnott.
“Although white chocolate doesn’t contain these toxic compounds, it’s still really bad for animals because all chocolate is high in fat and high in sugar, and these can cause gut upset. The fat content is also responsible for causing pancreatitis, which is so painful and really serious”
If your pet does find some chocolate eggs before you do, Dr Arnott advises you to watch and act.
“Depending on the amount they consume and the size of the animal, you can see signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and tremors, and it can be fatal in really serious occasions.”
“If there’s any evidence they have found it themselves, then please contact your vet because there are things that they can do to prevent it becoming a really serious threat to their health.”
The RSPCA says as we do enter into the public holiday period, it’s a good idea to check which vet clinics are open to provide emergency treatment.
But its not all no-fun for our pets. Dr Arnott encourages a different easter egg hunt of their own.
“They can enjoy their own Easter hunt as long as you don’t use chocolate and you use some of the treats that are really high value to them. Break them up in small pieces, hide them around your house or your garden.”
“Sniffing and searching are really healthy behaviours for our dogs and cats really enjoy and get a lot out of anything that makes them hunt or search for their food.”
Best advice, keep all chocolate away from you pets and to yourself.
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