JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

December 2003  

BEWARE OF CHOCOLATE'S DARK SECRET

Help to prevent your pet from having an upset tummy this Christmas by not letting them over indulge in festive foods.  Chocolate is a particular problem, especially for dogs at Christmas.  Make sure that your dog does not have access to chocolate decorations that may be hanging on the Christmas tree and do not be tempted to give your dog human chocolate as a treat over the festive period.  There is a substance, theobromine, which occurs naturally in the cocoa bean and that is found in all types of chocolate, but in especially high levels in dark, high quality chocolate and cocoa powder.  Theobromine is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious illness.  If eaten by dogs in large quantities, it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which may progress into restlessness and convulsions.  The main danger is when a dog helps itself to large quantities of chocolate that can be found in households at special occasions, such as Christmas, Easter and birthdays.  So please, be extra careful this Christmas.  However, chocolate made specifically for dogs may be given as treats in small quantities, as these chocolate treats have had the theobromine taken out and hence are safe for dogs to eat.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

• For further information about the problems of chocolate toxicity in dogs, visit the BVA: Animal Welfare Foundation‘s website at www.bva-awf.org.uk.