17,000 Pets Poisoned by Chocolate

Increasing numbers of pets are suffering from poisoning after being fed inappropriate foods by their owners, the Veterinary Poisons Information Service has claimed.

According to the VPIS, there has been a 50 percent rise in the number of dogs who become ill after eating foodstuffs such as chocolate, grapes and raisins. The overall number of emergency calls regarding these cases was found to have increased from 790 in 2006 to 1,166 in 2007.

Overall, the total number of cats and dogs suffering from poisoning increased to around 17,000 last year - a 20 percent rise over 2006.

The vets say that the high levels of theobromine - a stimulant - which naturally occurs in chocolate can lead to negative effects on pets' central nervous systems, and that the darker and more expensive the chocolate used, the more dangerous it can be. A range of toxins found in grapes and raisins can also have damaging effects on the domestic animals' health.

Chris Laurence, veterinary director of the Dogs Trust, said: "Dogs' habits don't change much and nor do people's. Dogs eat what they can and people will still eat chocolate, grapes and raisins and will still leave them around, while some will still feed them to their dogs.

"I wonder if people are a little bit more careless these days about leaving things lying around and with costs going up, are willing to try to give their pets their own pills."

Most pet insurance policies will cover poisoning as an 'accident' and pay out for veterinary treatment accordingly. However it would be a wise strategy to keep a close eye on what you feed your pet in the first place.