DOG owners are being urged to keep chocolate out of reach of their canine companions this Easter. 

Dogs Trust, which has a rehoming centre in Newton Tony near Salisbury, is raising awareness of the continued risk that the consumption of chocolate poses to dogs.

Josie Cocks, Dogs Trust Veterinary Surgeon, said: “Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, so owners should ensure they keep it out of reach of their four-legged friends. Whilst some chocolate is more toxic than others, any amount is potentially harmful to your dog.

“If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, we advise owners to contact their vets immediately. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, seizures and potentially kidney and heart failure.”

Also read: 4 adorable dogs in Salisbury looking for their forever homes

Easter advice

The charity has issued some advice on how to have a dog-friendly Easter.

  • Never give your pooch any human chocolate as a treat. Ensure that children and visitors understand why and adhere to this rule too
  • Make sure that bins are dog-proof to prevent them scavenging through rubbish
  • Never leave any chocolate unsupervised, such as cakes cooling on worktop surfaces
  • Teach your dog to move away from something when you ask them to ‘leave it’
  • Keep a close eye on your dog whilst out walking, to avoid them scoffing discarded food that is potentially harmful

Canine behaviour officer at Dogs Trust added: “There are plenty of exciting things we can do with our pets over the holiday weekend. Taking them on their own Easter hunt around the house or garden, that includes dog-friendly treats instead of chocolate is a great way of bonding and giving our dogs lots of stimulation.

“You could also use the front of Easter egg boxes to teach your dog to do the snoot challenge or use the boxes to hide their toys or treats in for them to sniff out. If you want to have a go at something a little bit different, get a couple of boxes set a little distance apart and holding your dog’s treats or favourite toy in one hand, slowly start to guide them in a figure of eight around the two boxes. Then reward your dog!

“Dog owners could also build them their own Easter bunny burrow, or ‘Doggy Den’ so your furry friend has a cosy, comfortable place to sleep undisturbed in the house.”

For more information and advice visit the charity's website. 

 

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