by KYW's Nan Talleno
Valentine’s Day brings all sorts of goodies with it including candies and chocolates. And, although they may be a treat to us, both can be extremely dangerous to your pets.
The Poison Control Center of the ASPCA reminds us of the potentially fatal dangers to your pets from ingesting any type of chocolate. They advise that in darker chocolates, methylxanthines, which are caffeine-like stimulants that affect cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neurologic function can cause hyperactivity, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. Lighter chocolates which contain a high-fat content can very likely lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
Keep all sweets away from your pets as well. If candy, gum or any sweets or treats including cookies, cakes puddings, etc, containing the sweetener xylitol are ingested, your pet’s blood sugar may rapidly drop, seizures, hemorrhaging and liver failure can result. The results can be fatal.
If you suspect your pet has consumed chocolates or xylitol sweetened treats, contact your vet immediately.
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