As owner from Kent warns of the dangers of chocolate, after emotional and costly Easter for her two dogs, Rolo and Cocoa
New statistics released today (16 April) by The Kennel Club show that cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs increase by 50% over Easter, compared to an average month.
The data, collected by Kennel Club Pet Insurance and provided by Agria, also revealed that nearly a fifth of all claims for chocolate poisoning in 2024 for dogs were made in March and April, in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the Easter period. Cases of dogs ingesting chocolate also increased by 46% in 2024, compared to 2023.
Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor for Agria Pet Insurance commented: “While many pet owners will be aware of the dangers of chocolate, we still a surge in cases during the Easter period, where dogs take advantage of their owners being distracted to get their paws on the sweet treats. Chocolate can be toxic to your dog, so owners who think their pets might have ingested any should contact their vet for advice immediately.
“Symptoms can vary, but include sickness, upset or painful stomach, as well as excessive drinking, dribbling, fast breathing and even seizures, and can appear any time between four – 24 hours later.”
Jenny Tudor and her family, from Sevenoaks, Kent, and their two dogs - Rolo and Cocoa - were on a holiday in Cornwall during the Easter period, when a chocolate gift from a friend had managed to slip under the radar and was left in a bag in easy reach of the dogs while the family were out.
Unfortunately, Rolo soon got his paws on the chocolate and, when the family returned, they realised what had happened and noticed his heart was racing very fast – a sign of chocolate toxicity. He was rushed to the emergency vet, costing the family more than £1,000, where he stayed for two days and was under constant monitoring, before he was allowed home.
Jenny says, “I felt really panicked because it was such a lot of chocolate for a small dog, and we had no idea how much time had passed since he had consumed it. I just felt so sick at the thought of how serious this could be, and felt so stupid for not triple checking before we went out that the bag was well out of reach.”
Thankfully Rolo made a full recovery, with Jenny adding: “When we collected him, it was such a relief to see that he had his sparkle back and he was so pleased to see us. Lots of cuddles were in order!
“It was a very sobering experience, and we now always triple check before we leave the dogs to be certain that there is no chocolate in their reach. It was very reassuring to know that there are caring vets, and to have an insurance company that will honour claims, but I still would not wish the experience of having to rush Rolo to the vets and to be so worried on any other dog owner.”
Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, added: “Easter is an enjoyable time for all the family, but the abundance of chocolate in some households does unfortunately present a serious hazard for dogs, as well as many of the other snacks we love to enjoy during the holidays – such as hot cross buns and Simnel cake.
“It’s therefore vital that owners remain vigilant and make sure that Easter food is kept far out of paws reach.”
The Kennel Club has provided the following tips to help families navigate the season safely:
Sweet treats
Easter brings a wealth of different festive food into the household, and although highly dangerous to dogs, their acute sense of smell means they can sniff them out and get hold of poisonous food. Owners should be mindful of any chocolate brought into the house, as well as other traditional treats, such as hot cross buns and Simnel cake which are also highly toxic to dogs, as they contain grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas, so these should be placed safely out of reach – high up and behind closed cupboard doors.
For those taking part in a chocolate egg hunt, it is important that dogs are kept away during this activity and that owners keep track of how many chocolates are hidden, so they can ensure they are all found before welcoming a dog back to the area.
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, or grapes and raisins, even a small amount, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Owners should also be wary of a dog eating any food or leftovers from an Easter Sunday roast, as much of it will be too salty or too fatty for them.
To safely involve your dog in the festivities, The Kennel Club has a range of dog-friendly recipes for Easter treats.
Flora and fauna
Many springtime flowers, including daffodils, tulips and crocuses, can also sadly be poisonous to dogs, so owners should be alert on walks and in the garden, especially for any bulbs that were planted earlier in the year.
Animals that are more common in spring – such as snails, toads, ticks and adders – are also potential health hazards, with risks including lungworm, poisoning, bites and stings.
Hosting and entertaining
The bank holiday often means busier households and can bring more unfamiliar noises, smells and new activities for four-legged friends, which might become overwhelming.
Owners should continue their usual walking and eating routine and, if welcoming more people into your home, make sure your dog still has their usual personal space so they can retreat to their bed as and when they need it.
You can read more about how to get your dog well prepared via The Kennel Club’s online training hub
Spring walks
The combination of warmer weather and longer weekends often means many will be exploring new areas for dog walks. Before embarking on a new walking route in the countryside, it is important to understand how to be responsible for you and your dog and to research the area that you are visiting, especially as the season brings an abundance of wildlife and livestock to the countryside, particularly during lambing season.
Whenever you are in proximity of livestock or cattle you must have your dog on a lead, under control and prevent your dog from approaching or chasing any livestock, cattle or wildlife, for the safety of both the livestock, your dog and you.
Be sure to check the latest local restrictions on dog walking areas and be aware that sometimes dogs are banned from areas such as beaches or fields during certain months, for everyone’s safety.
If travelling somewhere by car, dogs must never be left unattended in the vehicle, regardless of the temperature, even if the car has been left in the shade or with the windows open. If you are travelling for a long period of time, make sure you take the necessary precautions, such as making plenty of stops, having lots of water and an appropriate shady space for your dog.
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