WITH the financial institution vacation Easter weekend quick approaching, Dogs Trust Ballymena is reminding canine house owners to maintain chocolate out of attain of our four-legged associates.
As Easter eggs and different tasty cocoa treats discover their manner into houses, the charity hopes to boost consciousness of the chance that the consumption of chocolate poses to our canine companions.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it accommodates a substance referred to as theobromine, which dogs and another animals wrestle to metabolise. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning embrace vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme thirst, excitability, drooling, and probably seizures and deadly coronary heart issues. If you assume your canine has eaten chocolate, contact your vet instantly.
The charity advises:
· Never give your pooch any human chocolate as a deal with. Ensure that youngsters and guests perceive why and cling to this rule too.
· If you might be internet hosting an Easter egg hunt, be certain your canine can’t discover the chocolate first by preserving them away from the world, or on a lead with fixed supervision.
· Make positive that bins are dog-proof to stop them scavenging by garbage.
· Never go away any chocolate unsupervised, equivalent to muffins cooling on worktop surfaces.
· Teach your canine to maneuver away from one thing once you ask them to ‘leave it’. This helpful life talent will come in useful in case your canine reaches for one thing they shouldn’t have.
· Keep an in depth eye in your canine while out walking, to keep away from them consuming discarded meals that’s probably dangerous.
Conor O’Kane, Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena Rehoming Centre says:
“Although in relation to our dogs we have to preserve a chocolate free zone, there are many tasty treats they will get pleasure from, and be part of within the enjoyable too.
“For instance, taking them on their very own Easter hunt round the home or backyard that features dog-friendly treats as an alternative of chocolate is a good way of bonding and giving our dogs plenty of stimulation.
“If you need to attempt one thing totally different, tasty treats they are going to fortunately hunt for embrace cucumber, carrot, strawberries and broccoli. If you cover these, they are going to have a a lot more healthy Easter than maybe many people will!
“You could also use Easter egg 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, set a couple of boxes 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 with a safe tasty treat or more games!”
For extra data and recommendation about preserving your canine blissful and wholesome, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice
