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

BVA issues Easter reminder to pet owners
The VPIS received more than 100 enquiries about animals eating chocolate last year.

VPIS statistics underscore importance of hiding ’toxic’ treats.

As the Easter festivities get underway, the British Veterinary Association is reminding pet owners to keep toxic traditional treats well out of their pet’s reach.

The warning comes after figures from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service reveal it received more than 100 enquiries about animals eating chocolate last year. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the figures show half of all enquiries about pets ingesting hot cross buns come at Easter. Eighty per cent of the enquiries related to dogs consuming chocolate, with 15 per cent relating to cats and three per cent to rabbits.

BVA junior vice president Rob Williams said: “Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are just a few of the treats which spring onto the shelves at this time of year. While they are delicious for us, the VPIS statistics show they are also tempting – but toxic - to our pets. 

“Many of us will know the dangers that chocolate presents to dogs, but other pets such as cats and rabbits can also become seriously unwell if they eat it, while hot cross buns also contain vine fruits which is particularly toxic too. It’s best to make sure that all sweet treats and tempting titbits are kept out of reach of your pets to avoid emergency vet visits, but if you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, it’s really important that you speak to your vet – it could save their life.”

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) provides emergency advice to veterinary professionals and runs Animal PoisonLine, a 24-hour specialised emergency telephone service dedicated to helping pet owners.

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."