Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Blue Cross reminds pet owners of Easter chocolate dangers
In 2021, Blue Cross treated 40 pets who had been rushed into their animal hospitals with suspected poisoning from eating chocolate.

An award-winning chocolatier has teamed up to spread the message.

National pet charity Blue Cross has collaborated with Paul A Young, an award-winning chocolatier, to remind pet owners of the danger that chocolate can pose to pets this Easter.

Paul A Young, chocolatier, pâtissier and television personality, urged pet owners to keep chocolate away from pets: “Chocolate is of course a big part of my life, and so is my beloved dachshund Billi - but very importantly, the two must always be kept apart!

“With Easter coming up I want to remind those with dogs and cats, that while us humans are looking forward to eating our delicious Easter eggs, chocolate must never be given to our pets. 

“By ensuring that all chocolate eggs and treats are kept well out of their reach, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy Easter together.”

Blue Cross shared a link to advice on chocolate, and Caroline Reay, head of Veterinary Services at Blue Cross, said: “Whilst it is a delicious treat for humans, chocolate can be extremely toxic to cats and dogs and should never be fed to them.

"It contains a chemical, theobromine, which is a bit like caffeine and is toxic to dogs and cats.

“As a general rule, the darker the chocolate, the higher the levels of theobromine become. It really is best to avoid your pets getting access to any sort of chocolate.

"If you have seen your pet eat something that they shouldn’t, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call your vet immediately and ask for their advice.”

 

Images (C) Blue Cross

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Milk recalled over presence of veterinary medicines

Graham's Family Dairy has issued a recall for its semi-skimmed milk due to the presence of veterinary medicines in the product.

In a risk statement, the Food Standards Agency said the presence of the medicines, including penicillin, make the milk unsafe to consume and 'may be a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to antibiotics'.

Customers who bought the product are advised to return it to the store of purchase for a full refund.