If your dogs are anything like mine, they'll be opportunists - it's a natural instict. They often behave like they've never been fed and really, really need whatever you're eating.
It's often very appealing to drop them a little treat, the children see you doing it so they do it too.
At this time of year in particular chocolate is very tempting, even to our four legged friends, but are you aware of the hidden dangers?
Chocolate contains a stimulant which is a little like caffeine, these stimulants appear in different levels dependant on the type of chocolate, but are far higher in dark chocolate and particularly high in cocoa powder. These stimulants can be life threatening to your dog and affect the heart, central nervous system and the kidneys.
Symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, increased heart rate, seizures, rapid breathing, lack of co ordination and muscle tension.
Dependant on how much your dog has consumed, occuring symptoms can be anything between four and 24 hours.
Simply put, don't put your dog at risk. Keep chocolate out of their reach and ensure children know of the hidden dangers.
If, in the unfortunate circumstances that your dog has eaten chocolate, no matter how small an amount, contact your vet. Knowing when and what type of chocolate they have had will be helpful in respect of the treatment required.
There is no antidote to the poisonous toxin (theobromine) and chances are that the only way to attempt a recovery for your dog is for the vet to make him / her sick. In severe cases your dog may need to be placed on a drip to control the nasty side effects.
The best way to avoid your dog becoming ill is prevention, not cure. It may seem appealing to let them take just that little bit of your sweet treat whilst they drool all over your knee, but do you really want to risk your dogs life?
Of course there are pet friendly chocolates available at most pet shops if you still want to treat them.
