In dogs, even a very small dose of theobromine can result in clinical signs as early as 6- 12hours after ingestion. The earliest sign of toxicity is usually an increase in thirst, which can be followed by vomiting and diarrhoea. Because this is a stimulant, the patient can start to show signs of agitation or restlessness/nervousness (at any dose). But more dangerous, is the effect on the HEART and NERVOUS SYSTEM. These patients can show an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), which can progress to fatal cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Eventually some can have seizures, muscle tremors or incoordination.

In addition to the toxic effect of chocolate, the high fat and sugar content can also cause problems like nausea, diarrhoea or even pancreatitis.

• RAISINS…be careful & rather not feed

Nothing is more traditional during Easter than the hot cross bun. Delicious and lovely baked goodies to share between family and friends….BUT BE CAREFUL FOR OUR PETS. These baked goods contain RAISINS which has been associated with the development of ACUTE KIDNEY FAILURE in especially dogs, but there are anecdotal reports that cats and ferrets can also be affected. Some toxicologists think that cooked raisins (like in raisin bread, hot cross buns) are not toxic, but this has not been confirmed and some dogs have developed kidney damage after eating baked goods. As little as 5 grapes, can lead to toxicity in an 8kg dog – AND RAISINS ARE 4.5 TIMES MORE CONCENTRATED THAN GRAPES.

          Not all dogs that ingest raisins, consistently develop signs of renal injury…

          …but this is a risk not worth taking, as the possible consequences can be so serious.

• XYLITOL…don’t give

With the Banting evolution, the sugar substitute xylitol, has become more utilized in various foods. It is used as a sweetener in puddings, cakes, baked goods and beverages. And during Easter, true Banters will also be looking out for sugar-free alternatives, commonly containing xylitol. This is very dangerous to especially dogs.

After a dog consumes xylitol, the body releases a large amount of insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels), which leads to a rapid and dangerous onset of HYPOGLYCAEMIA (low blood sugar). This drop in blood sugar can happen as soon as 15-30 minutes after ingestion! These patients start to vomit, followed by weakness, incoordination, collapse, seizures and even death. Some patients can even develop liver failure as early as 12-48hours.

Also be careful that common household products like toothpaste and oral rinses, medication, sugar-free gums and sweets, some nut butters like peanut butter can also contain xylitol. READ THE LABELS (especially sugar-free products) AND LOOK OUT FOR THIS, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS SUGAR ALCOHOL.

• MACADAMIA NUTS…be careful

These nuts are commonly found in baked cookies, or just chocolate covered as a sweet treat. Dogs can develop weakness (commonly of the hind limbs) and muscle tremors if ingesting more than 2g/kg of these nuts. Because these nuts are also high in fat content, pancreatitis (a painful and dangerous inflammation of the pancreas) is also a possible sequel.