• The majority  of vets (89 per cent) have seen cases involving dogs being given human food that is bad for their health in the last year
• The biggest culprit is chocolate – listed by 99 per cent of vets as the most common human food which causes problems for dogs
• TV vet Marc Abraham urges owners to avoid giving hot cross buns,  as raisins are toxic to dogs
• The average cost of treatment when dogs ingest chocolate is £222.68
   

New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance1 reveals the risk of death by chocolate. The majority (89 per cent) of vets have treated cases in the last 12 months involving dogs being given human food which is bad for their health. The risk of pet death by chocolate has been emphasised as 99 per cent of vets report chocolate as the most common human food causing illness among dogs. 

Treatment for a dog ingesting chocolate costs an average of £222.68. The most common course of action is induced vomiting and putting the dog on a drip. Some vets say severe incidents have cost upwards of £800. Chocolate contains theobromine, which humans can easily metabolise. Dogs on the other hand, process it slowly and find it hard to break down allowing it to build up to toxic levels which can result in death if untreated. 

While chocolate is the most common type of dangerous human foods for dogs, grapes are another that cause significant harm (81 per cent). Grapes, found as raisins in hot cross buns at Easter time, can cause kidney failure in dogs so should be avoided. Other common foods to avoid giving dogs are bones from joints of meat (19 per cent) and nuts (11 per cent). 

Bones can cause obstructions in the stomach and intestines, which can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery to remove. Lamb bones are particularly bad, hence the concern at Easter. 

It’s no surprise that there are more cases of toxic ingestion over festive periods like Easter and Christmas than any other time of year. According to 94 per cent of vets, the increased exposure to chocolate, hot cross buns and other harmful goods needs to be recognised by owners who could be unknowingly harming their dog.

TV Vet and animal welfare campaigner Marc Abraham commented: “Owners should take great care to keep Easter eggs, hot cross buns and bones from joints of lamb out of reach of dogs this Easter. It may be tempting to give your dog some leftovers but you could be doing them more harm than good, so make sure they stick to their dog food, as ingesting chocolate, raisins and other human foods could result in serious illness, not to mention a costly trip to the vets.”

Owners should also be wary of other spring-related dangers as some plants can cause serious illness if ingested. Bulbs, including daffodils, amaryllis and hyacinths can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea according to 45 per cent of vets and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Plants can also cause skin problems like dermatitis for particular breeds including boxers, retrievers and west highland white terriers.  

Prit Powar, head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line said: “Spring is a great time for dog owners and with the longer days and nicer weather comes lovely walks in the sunshine. It’s impossible to keep an eye on your dog all the time, especially when they’re off the lead, but if you’re at all concerned that they’ve eaten a bulb, or something they shouldn’t, have, take them to the vet immediately just to be on the safe side.”

Direct Line pet insurance urges responsible dog ownership all year round and Easter is no different. Chocolate, raisins and other human foods could result in serious illness so please keep these out of harms way.  If you want to give your dog an Easter treat, try sprucing up their dog bed with new blankets and cushions or taking them for an extra long walk. These alternatives will make your dog far happier than a harmful Hershey’s or dodgy Double Decker. 
 
ENDS

Notes to Editors
1 Research carried out among vets between 15-17 February 2016 

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster 
Direct Line 
[email protected]  
0165 183 1672

Antonia Green
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
[email protected] 
0207 282 2967

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com

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