The risk of chocolate poisoning in dogs peaks during the Christmas holidays. A recent study sheds light on this sad paradox only due to chocolate.
Experts warn of a “significant spike” in the risk of chocolate poisoning in dogs over the Christmas period as households stock up in abundance. Researchers at the University of Liverpool say dog owners need to be aware of the increased risks, especially on Christmas Eve – and to a lesser extent Easter – as chocolate is pouring into homes.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a caffeine-like stimulant, which can cause vomiting, increased heart rate, restlessness, and seizures in doggies.
Be careful during the holidays
Although the cocoa sweetness has long been recognized as a common cause of poisoning in dogs, the team wanted to determine if exposure to chocolate followed any seasonal form. They therefore analyzed the files of 229 British veterinary practices between 2012 and 2017 for consultations around Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day and Halloween. One in four (26%) occurred within an hour of consuming chocolate and more than half (56%) within six hours. The exhibit was more than four times more likely to be recorded over Christmas – and almost twice as likely to be recorded over Easter. There was no peak observed during Valentine’s Day or Halloween.
Ingestion of chocolate has a unique seasonal pattern. It deserves to highlight this risk so that the owners remain attentive and cautious in front of the desires of their animal.
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