Keep Chocolate Out of Paw’s Reach This Christmas and New Year
Keep Dogs Safe from Chocolate This Christmas
Meet Bonnie, who managed to eat 3 (yes 3!) Terrys chocolate orange balls which arrived in the post last week. After an emergency vets visit, a lot of vomiting and administering multiple charcoal syringes, Bonnie has luckily made a full recovery.
During the festive season homes are filled with sweets, chocolate boxes, and guests coming and going. While we may be enjoying chocolates and festive desserts, it’s important to remember that these seasonal delights can pose a serious risk to our pets.
As we are lucky enough to treat animals at our osteopathic clinic, we often talk about whole-family wellbeing, which includes our pets! Over Christmas and New Year, chocolate poisoning in dogs becomes far more common, yet it’s entirely preventable with a little awareness.
Why Is Chocolate Dangerous for Dogs?
Chocolate contains substances called theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot metabolise effectively. Even small amounts can cause symptoms, and darker chocolates (such as dark or baking chocolate) are especially dangerous because they contain higher levels of theobromine.
Dogs of all sizes are at risk, but smaller dogs are particularly vulnerable due to their body weight.
Signs of Chocolate Toxicity
If a dog eats chocolate, symptoms may appear within a few hours and can include:
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Restlessness or hyperactivity
Rapid breathing or heart rate
Muscle tremors or seizures
Increased thirst or urination
Chocolate poisoning is a medical emergency. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
Festive Hotspots to Watch
During Christmas and New Year, chocolate can be found in unexpected places:
Sent through the post (as Bonnie recently found out!)
Stockings and advent calendars
Coffee tables with wrapped treats
Gift bags under the tree
Visitor’s handbags or coat pockets
Dogs are curious, and many will happily unwrap chocolate on their own, wrappers included!
Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe
If you need to post any chocolate to friends and family, tell them when to expect it and tell them there will be chocolate in the parcel,
Keep your dog away from where post is delivered… baby gates are a great preventative!
Store chocolate high up or in sealed cupboards,
Dispose of wrappers promptly and securely,
Offer dog-safe treats so your pet doesn’t feel left out!
Enjoy the Season…Safely
Christmas and New Year should be fun for everyone in the household. By keeping chocolate well out of reach and staying aware, you can help ensure your dog stays healthy and happy, ready to join you on festive walks and cosy evenings well into the new year.
From all of us East Sussex Osteopaths we wish all your family, people and animals, a safe, relaxed, and healthy festive season.