Why can't dogs eat chocolate?

Easter has been and gone and most of us have eaten our fair share of chocolate but there’s one member of the family who can’t join in the same way – our dogs. Of course there are alternatives including a chocolate that is safe for dogs and other pets to eat.

There is often a concern around Easter with pets and chocolate as it is often left in easy to reach places and at times there can be a large amount of chocolate sat in your home at once. But why is it that dogs and other animals can’t indulge on this treat like we do?

Well you might be interested to know that chocolate contains a toxic chemical known as Theobromine which can be poisonous to not just dogs but us as well.

However, processed chocolate has a reduced amount of this toxin than the pure Cocoa bean. This means that the chocolate we consume is safe but there is still a potential risk of serious side effects if consumed in high quantities.

Other animals however digest and process Theobromine at a much slower rate than we do and can easily consume enough chocolate to result in poisoning. The fat and sugar that’s found in most chocolates could also cause potential pancreatitis.

How to know if your dog has eaten chocolate:

Sometimes a lack of evidence is the clearest explanation. Did you have chocolate in an accessible place and it’s no longer there and no one else could have taken it? Safe to say, the dog probably got to it. There are various signs and symptoms that your dog may display if they have eaten too much chocolate:

• ·         vomiting
• ·         diarrhoea
• ·         dehydration
• ·         increased urination
• ·         hyperactive behaviour
• ·         whining
• ·         seizures
• ·         rapid heart rate
• ·         muscular spasms
• ·         excessive panting
• ·         digestive problems

Take your dog to the vet immediately if you are worried for your dog’s health.  Unfortunately, chocolate poisoning is life-threatening and requires immediate attention.

Always remember to keep chocolate and other toxic items in an unreachable, inaccessible location or lock it away. 

Gifts for dogs this Christmas

If your family is staying together this Christmas make sure your favourite four-legged friends have something to unwrap on the big day.  We can’t all have flying reindeer like Santa Claus but our loyal companions are special in their own way.

Home from Home Dog Boarding has provided a run-down of Christmas gift ideas for your pet whether you’re together or apart this year.

Friday 12 December is national Christmas jumper day and what’s to stop your dog from joining in with the fun? There are many on the market to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. Better yet, knitting patterns are available if you feel like presenting your pet with a home-made gift this year. Perhaps you could create matching sweaters for the entire family – dogs included.

If you really wanted a reindeer in the house to feel more festive, then there’s always the novelty route. Antlers and elf hats are widely available to make your pet look like they came straight from Santa’s grotto.

Of course there’s the walk. We might not want to leave our cosy homes but a good walk can work up the appetite for the inevitable Christmas dinner bellies we’ll all be wearing that day. A new toy will entertain your dog while you’re struggling to remember what it felt like to have fingers.

For many of us the best part of Christmas day is the dinner; roast turkey and all the trimmings. Our dogs should have a luxurious dinner too. We understand that pet food can be an expensive choice but 

Christmas only happens once a year so maybe spend a little extra on a special dinner for your pet. We’re sure they’ll know the difference.

Our idea of a treat is perhaps a box of chocolates or a cheeky sherry and luckily for us we can’t share these with our pooches. They would much rather have rawhide chews which can come in a variety of Christmas designs such as snowmen and penguins.

If you’re dog is with one of our dog carers this Christmas, make sure you pack them a present for them to open at Christmas. If they’re lucky maybe their carer has got them one as well!

Contact us today if you need to book for dog boarding over the Christmas holidays.

Img source: http://goo.gl/GGWRes

Halloween, Bonfire Night and your dog

We’re already in the midst of Autumn, with darker night’s drawing in and the cooler chill already present, before we know it our streets will be filled with spooktacular goings on, our homes furnished with festive treats and our skies illuminated with fireworks.

Halloween and Bonfire night are both a time of fun, frolics and festivities but while these may be fun moments for us, they aren't always for our canine companions with the chance of bringing some hazards and anxieties for your pooch.

In order to help you avoid Halloween howling and firework fears, Home From Home Dog Boarding have put together some hints and tips to keep your dog comfortable and safe at this time of year.

All Hallows Eve

Costumes

For many of us, Halloween is all about getting dressed up in something cute or scary ready to go out trick or treating. If you are hosting a Halloween party or planning on taking your pooch out trick or treating with the family this October 31^st then spare a few minutes for your pet before you pick out that costume.

Are they likely to be uncomfortable as this can cause agitation and anxiety? Some costumes may also have hanging attachments which can easily be removed by your dog so ensure that loose parts are secured to maximise safety and always read the packaging to ensure that your chosen costume is entirely animal friendly.

Decorations

Planning on putting up hanging ornaments or ghouslish decorations around your home? Many of these objects are hazardous and could easily obstruct a dog’s airway if swallowed. Small parts of costumes, candles and hanging decorations such as fake webs, party streamers and balloons can all be tempting things to play with for a dog.

Avoid any unwanted scares by keeping all of these firmly out of the easy reach of your dog.

Tricks and Treats

It is likely that you will be expecting some scary visitors so will have a trick and treat bowls lying about. Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause poisoning, vomiting and seizures so keep any treats out of the easy reach of your pooch.

Consider buying in some special dog specific chocolate treats so that he or she doesn't feel left out.

Pumpkins

We all love to carve a good pumpkin and pop in a candle to show off our spooky designs, but make sure that your dog can’t reach it.  Although relatively non-toxic, when ingested in large doses pumpkin can cause stomach upsets for dogs.

Guy Fawkes Night

Safe den

Many pets will not react well to the scares that unexpected fireworks can bring as loud noises can often bring on anxiety.

Preparation is the key, so ensuring that you have provided a safe space for your dog to hide behind to encourage the feeling of safety will help. Try and introduce this place before firework season with their blankets or beds and some comforting chews.

Calming

There are many herbal medications available when Bonfire night fireworks are in full swing and produce a pheromone which can relax dogs. If your dog is naturally more prone to anxiety then consult your vet prior to purchasing or administering any form of medication.

Dog walks

It is a good idea to take your dog for a long walk, while it is still like, prior to the fireworks starting. This will not only tire your dog out but ensure that they are more tired out and less likely to get worked up – perhaps, if you’re lucky they will even sleep through them.

Home From Home Dog Boarding provide comprehensive dog caring, dog sitting services while you are away from home and will carefully match your pet to our network of carers across the UK.

To find out more about our dog boarding service please click here or contact us today to discuss your requirements.