VETS in the South East are urging pet owners to keep chocolate treats safely out of reach from pets this Easter.

The warning comes as findings by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) reveal that 74 per cent of companion animal vets in the region saw at least one case of chocolate poisoning over the Easter holidays last year.

This figure is well above the UK average of 62 per cent.

While most vets across the UK saw an average of two cases of chocolate poisoning last Easter, around one in eight treated five or more cases - more than double the figure reported over the previous two years.

Chocolate can be highly poisonous to pets, with dogs most commonly affected.

It contains theobromine, a naturally occurring chemical found in cocoa beans, which, while safe for humans, is harmful to dogs and other animals.

The level of toxicity depends on the amount and type of chocolate ingested, as well as the size of the dog.

BVA president, John Fishwick, said: “Easter is a time of great fun for the whole family, but chocolate treats meant for humans can be poisonous for our pets.

“Dogs in particular have a keen sense of smell and can easily sniff out sweet treats, so make sure any chocolate goodies are stored securely out of reach of inquisitive noses to avoid an emergency trip to the vet.

“If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate, don’t delay in contacting your local vet.

“The quicker the animal gets veterinary advice and treatment, the better.

“Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your dog has eaten and what type.

“If possible, keep any labels and have the weight of the dog to hand.”

The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 12 hours and can last up to three days.

First signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness, which can then develop into hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing.

In severe cases, dogs can experience fits and heartbeat irregularities and some cases can result in coma or death.

Download the free ‘pets and poison’ leaflet at www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice/pets-and-poisons.