Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital Ltd
Independent, locally owned and operated veterinary care for the North Shore and Central Auckland.
No, chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats because it contains a natural stimulant called theobromine. Whilst we metabolise it easily, dogs and cats process theobromine very slowly, so it can accumulate in their system, resulting in dangerously high levels that become toxic. The affects can range from having an upset tummy to at the extreme end of killing them, depending on how much chocolate they have eaten and how big your pet is.
If your pet has ingested any amount of chocolate, big or small, you need to seek veterinary attention immediately. This way we can give you the best advice, including if we need to urgently make your pet vomit to help prevent any nasty side effects.
As a rule, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. The more chocolate your pet has eaten versus their body weight, the worse it is.
It may take 6-12 hours before your dog or cat show signs of chocolate toxicity.
Low levels can cause:
Medium levels cause cardiac signs, such as:
High levels cause neurologic signs, including:
If you are hiding chocolate eggs for your kids to find, please ensure you count how many you hide and ensure all are found by humans, to prevent pets from having a sneaky unsafe chocolate snack.
Most hot cross buns contain a mixture of dried fruits like sultanas, raisins, and currants which are poisonous to dogs and cats, causing stomach issues and kidney failure.
Dogs especially can become very unwell after eating even small amounts of grapes and similar dried fruits. Symptoms of poisoning can vary between dogs, and include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, low energy, and reduced appetite. Some dogs are unaffected by the fruits, whereas others develop severe symptoms just a few hours after eating them.
Some hot cross buns may also contain chocolate, so do not feed any hot cross buns to your pets.
Beautiful to look at and delicious to smell, sadly lilies are toxic to pets, especially to cats. Even licking lily pollen off their fur can lead to cats getting kidney failure.
The lily plants of greatest concern are any from the genus Lilium, including Easter lilies, Christmas lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies, and from the genus Hemerocallis, including day lilies.
Ideally, if you own cats, do not plant, or have lilies as cut flowers inside. Signs your cat has lily poisoning include drooling/salivation, vomiting, loss of appetite, Increased urination, dehydration, depression, and lethargy.
Enjoy your Easter holidays and remember to keep Easter treats out of reach from your pets. Instead, offer your pet dog treats or cat treats made especially for them.
If you are concerned your pet has ingested any amount of chocolate, hot cross buns, or lilies, please call us immediately.
The above information is provided as an educational guide only and is not a substitute for advice from your pet’s healthcare professionals. If your pet’s symptoms continue, you are concerned about them, or want further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Royal Canin Ageing +12 Gravy Complete feed for cats over 12 years old (thin slices in gravy).
Royal Canin Ageing 12+ Jelly for joint health EPA & DHA, instinctively preferred and renal health.
Royal Canin Exigent Aromatic for fussy cats from 1 to 7 years that prefer a formula based on smell.
For steady, harmonious growth, the composition of Babycat milk is as close as possible to queen's milk, with high energy and protein levels.
Royal Canin Beagle Adult formula is exclusively designed for adult (over 12 months) Beagles. It helps maintain ideal weight and support healthy bones and joints with an exclusive calorie-controlled formula.
Complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Bichon Frises - Over 10 months old
Royal Canin Boxer Adult complete dog feed for adult and mature Boxers - Over 15 months old.
Royal Canin British Shorthair Adult for muscle tone, tailor-made nutrition.
Royal Canin British Shorthair Gravy for adult cats over 12 months old.
Royal Canin Chihuahua Puppy is for puppies up to 8 months old.
Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature, English or American Cocker Spaniels - Over 12 months old.
Royal Canin Dachshund complete dog feed for adult and mature Dachshunds - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Dalmatian Adult helps support the skin's "barrier" role (exclusive complex) and maintain skin health (EPA & DHA).
Formulated with precise & high quality protein sources to help support and nourish the skin.
Royal Canin Digestive Care for dogs prone to digestive sensitivity.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT Educ combines a limited calorie intake (less than 3 kcal/unit) and optimal palatability for use during your training sessions with your puppy or adult dog.
Royal Canin Exigent is formulated for dogs with fussy appetites.
Royal Canin Exigent Protein Preference for fussy cats from 1 to 7 years old that prefer a formula based on how it makes them feel after they eat it.
Royal Canin French Bulldog complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature French Bulldogs - Over 12 months old.
Royal Canin French Bulldog Junior is for puppies up to 12 months old.
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy complete feed for dogs - Specially for German Shepherd puppies - Up to 15 months old.
Royal Canin Giant Adult is suitable for Giant dogs from 45kg+ and over 18/24 months old.
ROYAL CANIN® Giant Junior recommended for giant breed puppies from 8 - 18/24 months.
ROYAL CANIN® Giant Puppy is recommended for giant breed puppies from 2 - 8 months.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult complete dog feed for adult and mature Golden Retrievers - Over 15 months old.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy complete feed for dogs - Specially for Golden Retriever puppies up to 15 months old.
Royal Canin Indoor 7+ for indoor cats from 7 – 12 years old.
For indoor cats over 7 years old.
Indoor cats spend more time sleeping, eating and grooming rather than exercising.
For indoor cats 1-7 years old.
Royal Canin Instinctive 7+ Gravy for vitality complex, instinctively preferred and renal health.
Royal Canin Instinctive Gravy for instinctively preferred, healthy urinary system and maintains ideal weight.
Royal Canin Instinctive Jelly for instinctively preferred, healthy urinary system and maintains ideal weight.
Royal Canin Adult Jack Russell Terrier for dogs over 10 months old, muscle and vitality complex, healthy skin and coat ,and dental health.
ROYAL CANIN® Kitten Gravy is recommended for kittens from 4 - 12 months.
ROYAL CANIN® Kitten Jelly is recommended for kittens from 4 - 12 months.
Royal Canin Labrador Puppy tailor-made food for Labrador Retriever puppies from 2 to 15 months.
Royal Canin Labrador Adult complete feed for adult and mature Labradors - Over 15 months old.
For adult Labradors over 15 months of age
Royal Canin Light Weight Care for dogs with tendency to weight gain.
Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult for joint support.
Royal Canin Maine Coon Gravy for adult cats over 15 months old.
Maine Coon Kitten is suitable for Maine Coon's from 4 - 15 months.
Royal Canin Maltese complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Malteses - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Maxi Adult 5+ is suitable for large dogs from 26 to 44kg over 5 years old.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your pet's individual needs.