THE number of pets that are 'poisoned' by chocolate doubles over Easter, according to a new study.
Insurance company LV= says thousands of dogs and cats are taken to the vets over the holiday period, having been effectively 'poisoned' by eating too many sweet treats.
Chocolate contains theobromine and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration if cats and dogs eat it.
The LV= analysis suggests it receives twice as many claims for chocolate poisoning around the Easter and Christmas holiday periods, compared to the rest of the year.
Julie Constable, LV= pet insurance manager, said: "As the Easter weekend approaches and people have more chocolate in the home than usual, we're reminding those with dogs and cats to keep it well out of their reach. "If a pet does get hold of some chocolate and eats it, then their owners should contact a vet for advice straight away."
