We all like to indulge a little over the Easter period. We stuff out bodies full of good food and chocolate, which usually also means our four legged friends may find some of this food to indulge in. However, not everything we eat over Easter is good for our pets. So what foods are the most common toxins this time of year?

Around the festive period we tend to have a lot more sweets and chocolate around. Chocolate, made from the beans of the cacao tree, contains a compound known as theobromine. Theobromine has a number of effects on the body. It stimulates both the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, raises blood pressure, has diuretic effects and in large enough doses can cause nausea and vomiting, seizures, coma and possibly death.

Just like chocolate lollies are also toxic for animals. Most lollies and sugar-free sweets contain xylitol which his highly toxic for pets. If your pet has lollies it can lead to lethargy, loss of balance, permanent brain damage, liver failure and death.

Similar to our friend the avocado, macadamia nuts are also dangerous to our pets. If your pet eats a macadamia nut it can cause severe abdominal pain, the inability to walk, and increased heart rate.

If you suspect your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t, call your local veterinarian immediately.  Rapid decontamination (induced vomiting) is crucial. Remember to bring the packet/wrapper of the food your pet has eaten.  Here is a handy website you can use at home, but always call you veterinarian if you are unsure or still have concerns.

http://veterinaryclinic.com/chocolate/calc.html