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 Maxi Adult is suitable for large dogs from 26 to 44kg over 15 months old.
Royal Canin Maxi Adult Gravy is suitable for all large dogs from 26kg to 44kg. From 15 months to 8 years old.
Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+ is suitable for large dogs from 26 to 44kg over 8 years old.
Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+ Gravy for all large dogs from 26kg to 44kg. Over 8 years old.
Royal Canin Supports the health of your dog by providing precise nutrition based on a true understanding of the dog's specific needs and over 50 years of science and observation.
Royal Canin Maxi Joint Care is formulated for dogs prone to joint sensitivity and eases movement.
Royal Canin Maxi Light Weight Care for dogs prone to weight gain.
ROYAL CANIN® Maxi Puppy is recommended for large breed puppies from 2 - 15 months.
ROYAL CANIN® Maxi Starter Mother and Babydog is recommended for bitches during gestation and lactation and large breed puppies with a projected adult weight of 25-44kg from weaning - 2 months.
Royal Canin Medium Adult 7+ is suitable for medium dogs from 11 to 25kg over 7 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Adult is suitable for medium dogs from 11 to 25kg over 12 months old.
Royal Canin Medium Adult Gravy is suitable for all medium dogs from 11kg to 25kg. From 12 months to 10 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Ageing 10+ for medium dogs from 11 to 25 kg over 10 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Ageing 10+ Gravy is suitable for all medium dogs from 11kg to 25kg. Over 10 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Dental Care can reduce tartar formation for dogs prone to dental sensitivities.
Royal Canin Medium Dermacomfort complete feed for dogs - For adult and mature medium breed dogs (from 11 to 25 kg) - Over 12 months old - Dogs prone to skin irritation and itching.
Royal Canin Medium Light Weight Care for medium breed dogs (11-25kg) prone to weight gain.
Royal Canin Medium Relax Care formulated with specific nutrients to support medium breed dogs (11-25kg) in a changeable environment.
Royal Canin Mini Adult 8+ is suitable for small dogs up to 10kgs over 8 years old. Ideal for mix feeding with Mini Mature +8 wet diet.
Royal Canin Mini Adult is suitable for small dogs up to 10kg over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Mini Adult Gravy is suitable for all small dogs up to 10kg. From 10 months to 12 years old.
Royal Canin Mini Ageing +12 complete feed for dogs - For senior small breed dogs (adult weight up to 10 kg) Over 12 years old.
Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12 Gravy is suitable for all small dogs up to 10kg. Over 12 years old.
Royal Canin Mini Dental Care can reduce tartar formation for dogs prone to dental sensitivities.
Royal Canin Mini Dermacomfort with reduced allergen formula for dogs prone to skin irritation and itching.
Royal Canin Mini Digestive Care is suitable for adult dogs (1-10kg) prone to digestive sensitivity.
Royal Canin Mini Exigent helps satisfy a fussy appetite for small adult dogs (1-10kg).
Royal Canin Mini Light Weight Care for small breed dogs (1-10kg) with tendency to gain weight.
Royal Canin Mini Relax Care formulated with specific nutrients to support small breed dogs (1-10kg) in a changeable environment.
Royal Canin Schnauzer complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Miniature Schnauzers - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy is for puppies up to 10 months old.
Royal Canin Persian balanced and complete feed for adult cats - Specially for Persian cats - Over 12 months old.
Royal Canin Persian Kitten is suitable for kittens up to 12 months old
Royal Canin Poodle complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Poodles - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Poodle Puppy is for puppies up to 10 months old.
Royal Canin Pug complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Pugs - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Pug Puppy for puppies up to 10 months old.
Scientifically proven to support puppies during the colostrum stage and the milk stage until weaning.
Royal Canin Ragdoll balanced and complete feed for adult cats - Specially for Ragdoll cats - Over 12 months old.
Royal Canin Fit for moderately active, adult cats (1-7yrs old) with access to the outdoors.
For cats with sensitive digestive systems from 1 to 7 years old.
Royal Canin Relax Care formulated with specific nutrients to support dogs in a changeable environment.
Royal Canin Rottweiler complete feed for dogs Specially for adult Rottweilers - Over 18 months 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.