Mersey Reporter - Merseybites News

WITH the bank holiday Easter weekend fast approaching, Dogs Trust Merseyside is reminding dog owners to keep chocolate out of reach of our 4 legged friends.

As Easter eggs and other tasty cocoa treats find their way into homes, the charity hopes to raise awareness of the risk that the consumption of chocolate poses to our canine companions.

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as it contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs and some other animals struggle to metabolise. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning include:- vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, and potentially seizures and fatal heart problems.

Dried fruits such as grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are also toxic to dogs and can lead to fatal renal failure, so it's essential that hot cross buns, Simnel cake, and any other foods containing these dried fruits are kept well away from canine companions too. Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten chocolate or any of these dried fruits.

The charity advises:-

Never give your pooch any human chocolate or dried fruits as a treat. Ensure that children and visitors understand why and adhere to this rule too.
If you are hosting an Easter egg hunt, ensure your dog can't find the chocolate 1st by keeping them away from the area or on a lead with constant supervision.
Make sure that bins are dog-proof to prevent them from scavenging through rubbish.
Never leave any chocolate, hot cross buns, Simnel cake or dried fruits on tables or kitchen tops where your dog may be able to reach.
Teach your dog to move away from something when you ask them to:- 'leave it'. This valuable life skill will be helpful if your dog reaches for something they shouldn't have.
Keep a close eye on your dog whilst out walking to avoid them eating discarded food that is potentially harmful.

Victoria Phillips, Dogs Trust Veterinary Surgeon Manager, says:- "Our dogs are part of the family, so owners may want to include:- them in the Easter celebrations. However, tasty treats such as chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are very bad for our canine friends; eating them can make them poorly and even prove fatal. Although when it comes to our dogs we need to maintain a chocolate and raisin-free zone, there are plenty of tasty treats they can enjoy and join in the fun too. For example, taking them on their own Easter hunt around the house or garden that includes:- dog-friendly treats is an excellent way of bonding and stimulating our dogs. If you want to try something different, they will happily hunt for tasty treats including:- cucumber, carrot, strawberries and broccoli. If you hide those, they will have a much healthier Easter than we may have! You could also use Easter egg boxes to hide their toys or treats in for them to sniff out and you could set a couple of boxes a little distance apart and, holding your dog's treats or favourite toy in 1 hand, slowly start to guide them in a figure of 8 around the 2 boxes. Then reward your dog with a safe, tasty treat or more games!"

For more information and advice about keeping your dog happy and healthy, please visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.

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