Sasha's toxic treats

It's coming up to the festive season which means lots of delicious treats for us humans. Unfortunately, these treats are NOT good for our pets!  

Sasha is a 6kg, 8-month-old puppy who has presented 3 times in the last few months to our Hamilton clinic for eating things she shouldn't!  The 1st and 3rd times it was sanitary products.  The second time was for eating an irresistible caramel slice with a chocolate biscuit base and topped with dark chocolate.   Luckily her owners knew to bring her to us straight away for assessment and treatment.  We administered apomorphine in tablet form under her lower eyelid which rapidly caused her to vomit up her stolen treat!  As she had recently eaten the slice Sasha did not require further treatment which may have included IV fluids, anti-nausea medication or activated charcoal to bind toxins.

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine in the form of cocoa.  These can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, tremors, rapid heart rate, seizures and even death.  In general, the smaller the dog and the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the higher the risk of toxicity.  Other ingredients like nuts and raisins are also toxic to dogs.  White chocolate has minimal amounts of cocoa (if any) but does contain high amounts of sugar which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence and bloating.  It's important to keep food containing decorations or presents out of reach of our furry friends.  If your dog ingests any toxic foods, drugs, plants or other household items over the holiday period please call your vet or the afterhours clinic for advice - and be ready for an urgent visit to the vet! 

Dr Taryn van Meygaarden, Vet, Hamilton