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Vets warn about danger of Easter treats
Chocolate is toxic to dogs.

Cases of chocolate toxicity are known to spike over Easter.

With Easter fast approaching, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called on pet owners to make sure that chocolates and hot cross buns are kept out of the reach of pets.

The increased number of chocolate treats brought into homes over the Easter period often leads to a spike in cases of chocolate toxicity. Even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic for dogs, especially dark chocolate and cocoa powder.

Sixty per cent of vets had treated cases of chocolate poisoning during Easter, according to the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys from 2016-2018.

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 12 hours and can persist for up to three days. The first signs include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness. These symptoms can develop into hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, rapid breathing and hyperthermia. Severe cases can result in fits, heartbeat irregularities, comas, and in the most serious cases, death.

Raisins and sultanas, often found in hot cross buns and Simnel cakes, are also toxic to dogs and cats.

BVA senior vice-president Justine Shotton said: “Sweet treats and egg hunts are a fun part of Easter for many families but it’s vital we all take steps to protect our pets and avoid cutting the celebrations short with an emergency trip to the vets. Chocolate eggs and bunnies, and even hot cross buns, may seem harmless but can be life-threatening for some pets, especially dogs, who can get extremely sick even from small amounts.

“As a vet, I've treated many cases of chocolate ingestion over the holidays. Luckily, the vast majority of pets were brought in quickly meaning we could treat them successfully. I’d urge every owner to be aware of the risks of chocolate and raisin or grape poisoning so they can act promptly should the worst happen.”

Further information about what to do in the event of pet poisoning can be found in the free 'Pets and Poisons' leaflet from the Animal Welfare Foundation.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.