Don’t give pet dogs chocolate easter eggs
If you think you’re doing your dog a favour by sharing your chocolate eggs with him this Easter, think again.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean. Theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle.
While it may be argued that one small piece won’t hurt, large quantities of chocolate can cause severe distress including vomiting, diarrhoea or hyperactivity. As time passes and there’s increased absorption of the toxic substance, you’ll see an increase in the dog’s heart rate, which can cause arrhythmia, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination or excessive panting. This can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures or a coma.
The worst scenario is death, which is not as uncommon as you think.
