Veterinarians see annual spike in chocolate poisonings as dogs gobble up Easter eggs

Every year around Easter, veterinarians see an increase in dogs coming in with chocolate poisoning. Most dog owners know that chocolate is dangerous to their pets, but many don’t take the proper precautions during Easter egg hunts, Hart Van Nederland reports.

Veterinarian Stijn Peters sees multiple cases around Easter every year, but also around Sinterklaas and Christmas. Usually, it’s a matter of making the dog vomit, but chocolate can be fatal for the animals, he warns.

“Dogs become completely hyper, have an increased heart rate, sometimes convulsions or even epileptic seizures,” Peters explained the symptoms to Hart van Nederland. “It is caused by a substance in chocolate that has the same effect on dogs as many energy drinks do on humans.”

If the dog owner notices quickly, veterinarians can treat the animal by inducing vomiting. If it has been longer and the dog is in a serious condition, the animal is given an IV with a muscle relaxant, and the vet monitors them. In very severe cases, the animal could die.

It is unrealistic to tell pet owners to give up chocolate entirely. But be more vigilant around your pets.