NZ Vet Association warns chocolate and hot cross buns off the menu for the family dog this Easter
When Zoro the Fox Terrier tackled a Cadbury King Size chocolate bar, the result was looking grim. Wintec Journalism student Monique Kelly spoke to his owner as the New Zealand Veterinarian Association (NZVA) issues a timely reminder to keep the family pooch away from human treats.
Having a sick pet can be terrifying, and it’s worse when it could be prevented. This is something Matamata resident Julia Bartley, knows only too well as she recalls how her childhood dog Zorro became very ill one Easter holidays.
“We arrived home to find that Zorro, our little Fox Terrier, was incredibly sick, Bartley said. We couldn’t figure out why he was vomiting so much, until mum found the evidence. It was Dad’s birthday over Easter and one of his presents was a Cadbury King-size chocolate bar that we hadn’t yet gift-wrapped…all that was left was the wrapper.”
Bartley recalls “We couldn’t just rush Zorro off to the vet, not on our budget. so mum and dad cleaned up the sick and we hoped and prayed for the best outcome. Luckily for us, Zorro was smart enough to eat some grass and vomit up the toxins brought on by the chocolate. He made it through the ordeal, without major consequence and we learned a valuable lesson.”
We will never leave chocolate out again!
Julia Bartley, owner of Zorro the Fox Terrier
NZVA Head of Veterinary Services – Companion Animals, Sally Cory said “The main things pet owners need to be aware of at Easter is keeping dogs away from chocolate, raisins and sultanas in hot cross buns, and to a lesser degree, nuts, such as macadamia nuts.”
These seemingly harmless chocolate goodies are hugely toxic to our canine companions and may result in serious illness, or even death.
Cory says dog owners need to take particular care outside as well. “If you’re organising an Easter egg hunt, ensure dogs are well away from the area until the treats have all been collected, and remember exactly where you’ve placed them because dogs will be able to sniff them out if any are left behind in the garden.”
The NZVA reminder comes ahead of a traditionally busy weekend for veterinary clinics across Aotearoa, many of which are already overstretched.
By keeping emergency services for “emergencies only” it means very sick animals can receive the treatment they need quickly, and vet teams are not overwhelmed with pets that do not require emergency care.
“It is all about people taking just a moment to consider whether their pet needs immediate care, and if they think they do, to then call their vet for further advice,” Sally says. “If you are advised to go to an emergency service provider, you may be asked to ring ahead to let the vet team know you are coming. This helps prepare staff for your arrival.”
Take caution this Easter break, be vigilant, stay close to your chocolate stash and remember to check in on your cuddly pals. To read the full news release see here
