We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

A dalmatian has avoided a serious illness after almost devouring a whole box of After Eight chocolates.

Six-year-old Reggie was so desperate to get to the treats that he even ate the wrappers.

The incident occurred when Natalie Wood had taken her son, Brooklyn, to football training.

After the mum arrived home she noticed something was wrong and immediately took action, reports Leicestershire Live.

Natalie, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, said: “When I got home I noticed straightaway what had happened.

“I’d had three myself and left the box on the side in the kitchen, which I thought was out of his reach, but when I got home the rest of the chocolates had gone with just the box left, so I knew he had eaten almost the whole pack, including the wrappers.

“I panicked because I know how dangerous chocolate can be to dogs so I called my local PDSA straightaway.”

When she called the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), the organisation advised her to take him to its out-of-hours vets, Vets Now, in Derby.

Once there, the vet gave him an injection to make him sick. The £300 treatment was funded by the PDSA.

Reggie made a full recovery and was able to return home with some medication to make sure his body did not absorb the toxins in the chocolate.

“Usually Reggie is such a happy and playful dog, but he was really feeling sorry for himself that day, you could tell he wasn’t himself,” Natalie said.

“But when we got home, I gave him a plain dinner of chicken and rice and the medication the vets gave us, and then he slept all night.

“He woke up the next morning and was back to normal.”

The near-miss has sparked a fresh reminder from the PDSA not to let your dog eat chocolate this Christmas. Doing so could prove deadly.

PDSA veterinary nurse Shauna Spooner said: “Many of us have treats, sweets and chocolates in the house, and while the festive period can be a time for indulgence, it’s important to remember that some of these foods are very harmful to our pets.

“Foods including chocolate, mince pies, onions, raisins, grapes, some nuts, sage-and-onion stuffing and Christmas cake can all be harmful and should be kept safely out of paws’ reach over Christmas.

“If you suspect your dog has eaten any amount of chocolate, call your vet straight away for advice, don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

“Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and rabbits. In severe cases, chocolate poisoning in dogs can cause fits and even death.

“The higher the cocoa content of the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. So dark chocolate poses the biggest risk to pets.”

What are the symptoms if your dog eats chocolate?

There are some signs you can look out for if you think your pet may have accidentally eaten chocolate:

• Excessive thirst

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• A tender tummy and restlessness

• Tremors

• A racing heart or abnormal heart rhythm

• Raised body temperature and rapid breathing

The PDSA provides pets with treatment and care when their owners needs support. Those wishing to donate to the charity can do so online here.

Source: Read Full Article