A dog owner is warning others to keep chocolate out of reach from their pets this festive season after her family’s Labrador was rushed to the vets for emergency treatment last year.
Louise Ritchie, from Aberdeen, shared her story after her four-year-old pet, Harvey, ate nearly two whole boxes of Christmas chocolates.
“My daughter had been given a couple of boxes of chocolate for Christmas,” Louise explained, “and, with amazing restraint, hadn’t yet eaten them.”
Although Harvey is usually not allowed upstairs, he quietly sneaked into a forbidden room, discovered the chocolates and devoured almost the entire stash—leaving behind just one lone chocolate as evidence.
“None of us knew what Harvey had been up to until we found the wrappers scattered all over the bedroom floor,” Louise recalled. “Unfortunately, we didn’t know how much he had eaten or when.”
Aware of how toxic chocolate is to dogs, Louise rushed Harvey to the emergency vets. There, he was put on a drip and had to stay overnight due to the risk of kidney damage. Louise brought him home the next day, but Harvey was “a bit quiet and feeling rather sorry for himself” for a few days.
Thankfully, Harvey made a full recovery. However, Louise’s quick action was crucial, as the situation could have been much worse. The emergency care for Harvey came to over £1,000.
Recent statistics from The Kennel Club reveal that chocolate poisoning incidents spike during the festive season. Nearly a third (31%) of claims for chocolate poisoning last year occurred during December 2023 and January 2024. Surprisingly, January saw the highest number of claims, more than doubling the monthly average with a 106% increase.
Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare, and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, emphasised the importance of vigilance. “Christmas is such an exciting time for the family, and while we want our canine companions to join in the fun, it’s crucial to remember how overwhelming it can be for them, with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and tempting treats,” he said. “These statistics show that, while Christmas may be over in January, leftovers often remain. Owners need to stay vigilant throughout the festive season and into the new year.”
Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor for Agria Pet Insurance, also highlighted the dangers of chocolate for dogs. “Chocolate can be very dangerous to dogs, with risks depending on the type and amount consumed and the dog’s weight. Symptoms can range from sickness and stomach pain to excessive drinking, dribbling, fast breathing, and even seizures. These symptoms can appear anytime between four and 24 hours after ingestion. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately,” he advised.
He also warned owners to be cautious about wrapped chocolates under the tree. “Dogs can sniff out chocolate, even when it’s wrapped, so don’t underestimate their ability to find it!”
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