Valentines Day Alert

Pet Insurance Australia is reminding all Valentine loving Australians the importance of hiding that box of chocolates come February 14th.

“It’s Valentines Day,” Nadia Crighton spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) says. “For some, and not so much for others, it can be the most romantic day of the year full of flowers and chocolates.”

PIA wants to remind all pet owners that chocolate is highly toxic to companion animals.

“Chocolate can be very toxic to animals, in particular dogs,” Crighton says. “Many of them simply love a box of tasty chocolates, including ingesting the entire box along with the foil wrapping.”

PIA also suggests that it’s not only curious pups that can get into trouble with eating a box (or two) of chocolates. It is also not that uncommon to catch a sneaky cat having a lick or two of a chocolate covered treat.

“All dogs and cats, young and old, have a sensational sense of smell,” Crighton says.  “So hiding that delectable box of choccies behind the sofa cushion will not be enough to deter an eager pet to investigate.”

“Just as you would with Paracetamol and children, keep your chocolates up and out of reach from you pets,” Crighotn says. “It is much better to be safe than sorry.”

Chocolate is made from roasting the seeds of the Theobroma Cacao, which contain two toxic properties for animals; caffeine and theobromine. Ingesting these properties can be fatal for a companion animal.

“Baking or compound chocolate seems to be the worst as it contains more caffeine and theobromine, however even milk chocolate can cause sever toxicity,” Crighotn warns. “So also be aware of chocolate cakes and other sweet treats.”

Symptom of chocolate poising include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
High temperature
Rapid breathing
Abnormal behavior
Muscle rigidity
Seizures
Increased heart rate
If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate, seek medical advice immediately.

“The fact is; companion animals die from ingesting chocolate, and owners need to be diligent, particularly with dogs as they are natural scavengers.” Crighton says.

PIA also urges owners not feed, or encourage others to feed, your pet’s human treats. Instead consider making a ‘pet safe treat jar’.

“Explain to your children, and guests, the importance of your pet not eating chocolate, and encourage them to treat your pet sensibly from his/her own treat jar.”

“With so many wonderful treats on the market, keeping your pet involved, but safe, has never been easier.”

Nadia Crighton – nadia@petinsuranceaustralia.com.au

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Contact information: Nadia Crighton, Pet Insurance Australia, 95 Sixth Road, Berkshire Park, New South Wales 2765

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