In the run up to the Easter festivities this coming weekend, Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, are highlighting the tragic consequences of feeding your dog chocolate intended for human consumption. Sadly, many dog owners are simply unaware of the dangers of doing so during this fun and sweet-filled time.

Many homes across the country will be unwrapping all sorts of chocolate delights this weekend and behind many of these Easter eggs will be your pet dog waiting patiently for a taste. Although some human foods are fine in moderation for dogs to eat, this is definitely not the case with chocolate.

Dogs Trust Veterinary Surgeon, Renagh Kelly comments:

Apart from the risks of obesity and the obvious dangers of eating the foil wrapping, the biggest risk of eating human chocolate is poisoning, which requires urgent veterinary attention.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which, although tolerated by humans, is extremely toxic to man’s best friend. The darker the chocolate, the greater the amount of theobromine. Toxic doses vary according to the size of dog and cocoa solid content of the chocolate. As a rough guide, Dogs Trust estimates that 50g of plain chocolate could be enough to kill a small dog, such as a Yorkshire Terrier*, while just 400g could be enough to kill an average size dog."

So, if you are partial to Easter eggs and want to keep your dog safe, follow these simple rules:

• Never feed your dog chocolate intended for humans.

• Keep your chocolate in a safe place – this means hidden out of sight and unavailable to your dog.

• If your egg (or any chocolate) is missing and you suspect that your dog is the culprit, contact your vet straight away.

• Look out for any of the following symptoms; vomiting containing blood, a sore tummy, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, rapid heart rate and in severe cases, epileptic-type fits.

• If your dog is displaying any of these signs then take him immediately to your vet.

• There is no antidote for theobromine poisoning with treatment being symptomatic. Therefore the sooner treatment is implemented, the greater the chance of recovery.

• If you want to treat your dog this Easter, stick to natural doggy snacks that are kinder to your canine.

• For a simple yet tasty alternative treat for your pet, why not give our doggie ice cream recipe a whirl? Simply blend 3 ripe bananas, 80ml natural yoghurt, 5 tablespoons of peanut butter and pop into ice cube trays or Kongs for freezing – simple!