The Watch Dog: Valentine's Day Hazards to Dogs

Chocolate and other treats can be fatal to Fido, other pets

Commerce, MI, Feb. 9, 2009 – Those chocolate treats may be sweet to your Valentine, but for Fido and other pets they can be fatal, say the urgent care veterinarians at the Animal ER Center in Commerce, Michigan

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is toxic to dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds and other pets. All types of chocolate contain theobromine with more concentrated levels in dark, semi-sweet and baking chocolate. Even a small amount of chocolate can make a pet sick.

Eating chocolate causes a pet’s heart rate to increase. Other signs of chocolate toxicity are increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity within the first few hours that can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and death.

“The best rule is to keep all chocolate away from your pets,” said Bernadette Hermann, DVM and urgent care veterinarian at Animal ER Center. “This includes candy, baked goods, ice cream, beverages and any food containing chocolate or cocoa. Even small amounts of some chocolates can be fatal.”

Be especially careful of treats that may hide chocolate such as such as candy-coated candies, trail mixes, cereals, chewy candies, cakes and cookies. Keep chocolate treats away from candy dishes and stored in cupboards or the refrigerator. Should pets still get into your Valentine’s stash, follow these steps:

1. Call your veterinarian or the nearest veterinary emergency hospital to find out if your pet has eaten a toxic amount of chocolate.
2. Look for wrappers or packages that will help your vet determine what your pet has eaten.
3. If you unsure of the amount of chocolate eaten, or if your pet is showing any signs of illness, seek medical attention immediately.

Other traditional Valentine’s gestures can be risky for pets as well. Watch out for:

• Bouquets containing lilies – lilies are extremely toxic to cats.
• Ribbons can be tempting toys but can lead to obstruction if swallowed.
• Any candy or unusual food can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Animal ER Center offers pet owners state-of-the art diagnostics including one of the few MRI’s in Michigan, CT scan, ultrasound and x-ray for all size pets. The Center treats dogs, cats and exotic pets including rabbits, pocket pets, birds and reptiles, and is staffed by experienced urgent care veterinarians with board-certified neurologists on call seven days a week. Animal ER Center is located at 1120 Welch Road, just south of Pontiac Trail in Commerce, Michigan.

Download a FREE pet health bulletin on Valentine’s Day hazards at www.animalERcenter.com.