RSPCA WA warns over letting pets eat Easter treats after rise in chocolate poisoning

The RSPCA WA has reminded pet owners to be cautious over what they allow their pets to eat this Easter after reporting a 136 per cent increase in calls about pets eating chocolate. Its animal poisons hotline recorded the staggering increase in calls of pets consuming chocolate over a 14-day period last year compared to the rest of the year. More than 91 per cent of those cases involved dogs, followed by cats at 4.7 per cent, rabbits at 2.2 per cent, birds at 1.2 per cent and ferrets at 1.2 per cent. Excluding cross-breeds, Labrador retrievers were the most common dog breed involved. RSPCA WA lead veterinarian Mairi Joyce said even a small amount of chocolate was enough to potentially fatally poison a pet. “Just 50g of milk chocolate can be enough to poison a small dog,” she said. “Darker chocolate contains more cocoa, so the same amount will be even more toxic, and some sugar-free chocolates are artificially sweetened with xylitol, an ingredient which can lead to liver failure in dogs.” Dr Joyce said chocolate wasn’t the only food to look out for over Easter. “Hot cross buns, onions and fatty barbecue leftovers can have major implications for your pet’s health,” she said. “Cooked bones are brittle and small shards can get stuck in your animal’s throat or pierce the stomach lining .... surgery to remove an internal blockage is expensive and will easily creep into the thousands.” She said to look out for the physical warning signs of possible poisoning. “Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, excessive urination and hyperactivity, while more serious symptoms are tremors, seizures and even death,” Dr Joyce said. “If in doubt as to whether your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, always contact your vet straight away for advice. “It’s much better to be safe than sorry.”